In 1999-2000, a pilot project aimed at saving the Valley of Degla with the active participation of women and resulted with its proclamation as a protected area. Women contributed to the elaboration of scientific studies at the University and to the distribution of brochures in schools and institutions to demonstrate the importance of this project for biodiversity, as well as organized workshops for the public. Many women working in the media participated to the campaign. Women met periodically with decision makers and formed an integral part of the advising board for the management and development of the protectorate.

During phase III, a “Gender Group” of researchers (6 women and 4 men) was created to work with Bedouin women and gather ethno botanical information from them. Bedouin women were interested in learning how to harvest medicinal plants in the wild, how to plant them and how to condition them after harvest.