THE BIG QUESTIONS?
In this study we will be looking at an area that is both remote and short of water. It is also in a region that has historically been politically unstable and which has had international boundaries imposed upon it. (Fig.1)
These factors raise some big questions when it comes to survival of flora, fauna and human beings.
- Why is this area so dry?
- How do they obtain water?
- Has the area always been so short of water?
- How do they combat the extremes of heat and cold?
- How do they grow things?
- How do they gain employment?
- Is life here sustainable?
At the end of every section three to four questions will be posed. These are listed here:
A: The Environment:
In what ways may the following be turned to the advantage of the local people?
- The harsh climate;
- The barren landscape;
- The low biomass.
B: Historical:
In what ways may the following be turned to the advantage of the local people?
- The ruins of the many historical places;
- The ancient water supply systems;
- The existing communities both sedentary and nomadic.
C: Quality of Life:
- Is a nomadic existence the best suited to this environment?
- What are the advantages of a nomadic lifestyle?
- What are the disadvantages of a nomadic lifestyle?
- What are the alternative forms of lifestyle?
D: Settlements:
- How does this compare with the nomadic lifestyle?
- What are the advantages & disadvantages of urbanisation?
- How is this development influencing the ‘push/pull’ of the population?
- Are villages and towns a sustainable form of lifestyle in the Badia?
E: Water:
- With water at the centre of things what are the links through which it is connected to the wider issues?
- Is the traditional lifestyle the only sustainable existence in the Badia??
- Are there any solutions to the water supply issue?
- Is water the ‘new oil?
F: Farming Practices:
- What factors have combined to make rangeland farming less sustainable?
- Can rangeland farming survive? If so how?
- What are the alternatives to rangeland farming?
- Should the Badia region be abandoned altogether as a sustaining environment?
G: Natural Resources:
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Badia in terms of the potential for the production of energy?
- Is large scale mining an appropriate activity for the Badia?
- Who will benefit from the development of minerals and energy?
- Who or what will suffer should the natural resources be exploited?
H: Tourism:
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Badia in terms of tourist potential?
- Should a tourism structure be developed for the Badia?
- Who will benefit from tourist development?
- Who or what will suffer should tourism take off in the Badia?
