The Unfenced Desert Towards a strategy for eco ... - Nwrc.gov.sa

and humid in summer, spring - winter visits would be more practical, when the
weather remains warm but tolerable, and the winds may abate.
Cultural Features
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Traditional uses : Artisanal fishing was the main traditional use of the islands,
and fish continue to be the islands’ mainstay, although large-scale commercial
interests are starting to displace traditional fishing structures. Formerly all fishing was
done by lone fishermen who went out in small boats and fished using net or hand line
for between one day and one week. Apart from using motorised boats and preserving
fish on ice rather than by drying, these traditional fishing operations continue,
regulated by six traditional fishing chiefs who act are arbitrators and who allocate
fishing grounds.
Cultural importance : Apart from fishing, pearling was once a dominant industry in
the islands. A paucity of high quality pearls and the rigours of the work mean that the
tradition is dying out.
Historical features : The islands have been occupied by people form several
millenia, with evidence of the South Arabian civilisation from 1500-3000 years ago.
Farasan Kebir holds a number of ruins and prehistoric sites, with dry-stone
structures, pottery, shell mounds, and obsidian and copper artefacts. Abandoned
villages and old graveyards are present on a number of islands in the archipelago.
Near Farasan town stands a coral block fort dating from thwe time of the Ottoman
occupation some 100 years previously.
PA Infrastructure
Border demarcation : Borders of the different zones are not clearly defined.
Currently the marine reserve boundaries follow underwater contours.
Rangers/other staff : There are five rangers and one cook based on
Farasan Kebir.
Responsibilities of rangers : NCWCD rangers primarily undertake patrols of
gazelle areas on the main island of Farasan Kebir, and secondarily provide
assistance with broader monitoring and research programmes as required, including
liaison with scientific staff; maintenance of camps and reporting of incidental wildlife
sightings;. NCWCD rangers are not officially empowered to arrest or detain offenders,
nor to confiscate property.
Ranger chain of command : Day-to-day management of rangers camp structures
is carried out by the head ranger or his deputy, under authority of NCWCD head
office staff in Riyadh. The research camp/guest house at Farasan port is maintained
by the Coast Guard, which retains ultimate authority over the region of the ranger
station.
Camps and other buildings : The rangers are based within the old engineers
housing compound in the port are a of Farasan Kebir, occupying prefabricated
houses used originally during the construction of the port. The wider compound
includes family housing for Coast Guard staff. A Guest House/ Researcher Camp is
available in one of the buildings for short duration visits. The NCWCD is currently
negotiating with the Coast Guard for the use of other buildings.