Ancient Bedouin Tribal Law & Conservation

Al Hilf (the alliance):
controlled seasonal use of pasture. Herds were forbidden from entering high mountain pastures above 1800 meters between February and May

Al Dakhl (essence):
normally protects trees

Urf (tribal law):
when a person pledges to uphold a principle that all tribes people regard as just, acting against it violates both his personal honour and 'urf ' itself.

St. Katherine Protectorate hopes to reinstate these laws to help protect the environment

In South Sinai there are in total 5 protected areas, covering 40 % of the area. The four others are:

Ras Mohammed : the southern most point of the Sinai with a unique marine life and stopover point for many migratory birds

Nabq : between Sharm el Sheikh and Dahab with a large mangrove forest at its most northern limit

Abu Galum : a large coastal sand plain north of Dahab with the inland high mountains

Taba : north of Nuweiba, an area holding a rich cultural heritage

North Sinai has two along the Mediterranean coast: Al Arish and Zaranik.

St Katherine Protectorate aims to conserve the natural and cultural features, while allowing the local Bedouin people to continue their lifestyle and visitors to experience some of the things that make the region unique. To achieve these aims the protectorate manages three interrelated programs:

(1) Bedouin support (2) Conservation (3) Public awareness

The Jabaliya, who possess a profound knowledge of the land, play a key-role in the Protectorate's management. Community Guards are appointed by their own communities. The community guards are the key source of information of the Bedouin society and bring their own communities' perspectives to the process of management planning and also give advice on specific programs and activities. The community guards are also a critical element of the Protectorate's workforce in terms of their skills for trail maintenance, building with natural materials, mountain rescue and as guides for patrols. They make regular patrols in the community area and are also responsible for organising the cleaning of back country trails and water sources and monitoring the behaviour of local guides and visitors. The Community Guards have wide ranging duties including:

• the promotion of environmental awareness with the Bedouins and tourists;
• helping with the Bedouin Support Program activities (health, veterinary and handicraft programs);
• guiding scientific and academic research teams;
• assisting in first aid in the community areas;
• informing the management in the Protectorate area of any violations; and
• making monthly reports to the main office.

The Jabaliya make up over two thirds of the Protectorate's staff.

The St. Katherine Visitors Center gives deep going information about the people, animals and plants in the St. Katherine Protectorate and the changes in the course of history, using computer animation, slide shows and panels. Various conservation and management activities are also explained.

The Visitors Center is open Mondays-Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 - 12, Fridays from 11 -12. It is closed on Sundays. But a visit to the visitors center can also be arranged before-hand (tel: (00 2) 069 3470032).