ABSTRACT
Resource management is equated with the social processes of tribe and jama'a. The differences in topography, soils, water and micro-climates give this not very large area a varied resource environment, which is further affected by seasonal changes. Traditionally, in the Arabian peninsula, the natural resources of an area cannot be owned but are available to all. Ownership is over resources developed and made more productive, such as wells, cisterns and date gardens. The inhabitants of south-east Ja'alan see themselves as partaking in a general concept of access to resources common to the Arabian peninsula, as well as sharing language and cultural traditions, and political and economic relationships. The natural resources of coastline, lagoons and sea are the shellfish, crustaceans, inshore and deep-sea fish living in them, as well as the harbours, anchorages and routes provided. Natural resources are open for use by all until a resource is developed and so made more productive, when it becomes an owned resource.
