The springs of Wadi Rum have long been an important stopping point for
the nomadic Bedouin with their herds, and the area recognised as part
of their tribal lands. In recent decades, the natural beauty of Wadi
Rum has attracted increasing numbers of tourists, with the Bedouin
developing a lucrative business in jeep tours of the desert. Unfortunately, tyre tracks and litter now scar many popular areas.
Recently, realising the economic potential of Wadi Rum tourism, and
without consultation, the government expropriated the land and declared
it a protected area. World Bank loans are being used to develop the
tourist infrastructure, and zoning and planning controls introduced. Not unnaturally, the Bedouin see this as an assault on their rights,
freedoms and livelihoods.
It is argued that the Bedouin fail to appreciate the impact that motor
vehicles are having, lack effective self-regulation, and don’t
understand the area’s wider importance. Is this just global business
masquerading as conservation? Or does the State have a valid claim to
the land, given Jordan’s shortage of natural resources?
The film explores these different perspectives, with interviews from a
large number of individuals, and sequences illustrating the changing
nature of ‘traditional’ Bedouin life.
Available for purchase on VHS tape or
DVD in PAL or NTSC format.
Private Use only: UK £30/US $60 incl. P&P
With Public Performance Rights: UK £60/US $120 incl. P&P
Contact Nick:
mail+nickturvey.com (replace '+' with '@' before using)
+44 20 7795 6170
http://www.nickturvey.com/films.html
Language: English & Arabic, with English subtitles
Running time: 25 minutes. Year of production: 2002
Producer: Nick Turvey
Camera: Garrard Martin
Produced in association with the Refugee Studies Centre, of
University of Oxford
