It is narrated from Urwah (may Allah have mercy on him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Whoever cultivates barren land, it belongs to him, and the oppressor has no right in it."
Hadith Referenceمسند الإمام الشافعي / كتاب الشفعة والصلح وإحياء الموات / 1500