Badia People and History:

The total population of the Badia represents about 5% of the whole population of the country. One hundred years ago almost all the residents of this area were nomadic Bedouins. Today, an estimated 5-10% of the population remains nomadic, traveling the area in their black goat hair tents called beit shaar or "hair tent". The majority of the population is now permanently settled in villages. The Badia is home to numerous Bedouin tribes whose history lays at the foundation of western civilization.

The remnants of hundreds palaces, dams, reservoirs, cisterns and canals bear witness to the glorious cultures which flourished in this region throughout history. In the past this was made possible through the efficient utilization of available resources, including significant agricultural wealth, enabling civilizations to settle at various points of the major ancient trade routes spanning the Badia region.   

The Immediate Future:  Combating Desertification

The threat of desertification causes degradation of resources and, most devastatingly, demographic displacement. It can be halted through increased dry-land productivity and sound resource management considering the principles of supply and demand to sustain growing populations. Desertification and wise use of natural resources is a shared concern in the Middle East and throughout the world.