Project closed: 2013
HIMA is a land-use zoning concept which translates to “Protected Area” from Arabic and refers to a pre-Islamic practice in the Arabian Peninsula. HIMA can be defined as a Community-based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) System that promotes sustainable livelihood, resource conservation, and environmental protection for human wellbeing.
The HIMA Global Initiative project aims to:
- Promote HIMA constitutional principles to propose solutions to areas of conflict, such as Abyei, Darfur, and the Western Sahara (however, it must be stressed that this is NOT promoting Al-Shari’ah Law).
- Build confidence among parties in conflict by promoting social justice, equalities, social responsibilities, and the rule of law.
- Celebrate societal diversity, ethical values and customs, and rights for ethnic and religious minorities
- .Promote unity based on human needs and human rights.
- Promote peace, religious freedom, respect of other’s values, and acceptance.
The principles of HIMA governance are categorized into four broad categories which are not mutually exclusive:
- Ethical principles which include the HIMA development vision and describe the aims, objectives, and the ethical dimensions.
- Environmental sustainability principles that are based on reverence to natural resources and no harm.
- Institutional principles that recognize (a) the role of the state in providing basic needs; (b) the role of the voluntary sector to contribute to socio-economic and non-material development of the community; and, (c) the devolution of HIMA management within the local community.
- Good governance principles that provide a framework for the adequate management of the natural resources in HIMA zones.