September Update

Update from The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) Bethlehem University The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability was created at Bethlehem University with the vision of enhancing and promoting sustainability of human and natural communitie. Its mission is to research, educate about, and conserve our natural world, and Palestinian culture and heritage, and to use knowledge to promote responsible, empowered human interactions with all components of our environment. The institute developed infrastructure and human resources, which now include a Museum of Natural History (PMNH), an ethnography exhibit (cultural heritage), a botanic gardens, a community garden, an animal rehabilitation center, a biodiversity center, a herbarium, molecular laboratories, and more. PIBS is engaged in activities including: 

 1. Exploring the diversity of the fauna, flora, and human ethnography via collections and scientific research that includes morphology and genetics. 

 2. Environmental protection and responsible interaction between people and the environment. 

 3- Using the knowledge acquired to promote science education and develop citizen science 

4. Developing and increasing respect: a) for ourselves (self-empowerment), b) for our fellow human beings (regardless of background), and c) for all living creatures and our shared planet. 

5. Using research results in areas such as history, culture, permaculture and biological control to promote sustainable communities. View our latest annual reports, and for short videos about activities, please see https://youtu.be/BPhFLOsEIM0 and https://youtu.be/AZOoOzXU7tQ

The past academic year 2022/23 was a very busy year. Here are some highlights: 

 1) PIBS published 18 research papers in peer reviewed journals in many areas: fauna, flora, conservation measures, environmental injustice, sustainable agriculture, climate change, protected areas, and human rights. 

2) PIBS held over 55 local workshops for children, several for women, and many for adults to empower and encourage good stewardship of the environment. We also organized global workshops and conventions on areas like biodiversity and human diversity. 

3) PIBS led the effort to create the national report for the Convention on Biological Diversity and to create the National Strategy and Action Plan 2023-2025 

4) PIBS led on-the ground efforts to create a new Protected Areas Network which was then approved by IUCN and the Palestinian government. 

5) PIBS developed a mobile museum that reached marginalized communities 

6) PIBS staff traveled to the many countries (UK, USA, Greece, UAE etc.) during the year spreading knowledge and awareness. For example, the August trip to USA included giving 45 talks in 12 states plus DC meeting hundreds of people and gathering support for the State of Palestine and our Institute at Bethlehem University. Upcoming trips are planned in the next few months to Italy, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand 

7) PIBS has provided leadership and acted as a model for national, regional, and global actors in areas like environmental justice and challenging settler colonialism vis a vis the environment 

8) PIBS, having secured 2/3rds of the funding (more is needed), started a major project to create a national level museum of natural history and ethnography. Work commenced on site at the Mar Andrea Campus (see pictures below for design and renovation work in progress) 

9) PIBS set up a successful animal rehabilitation unit. For example, we now are rehabilitating five hyena cubs and just released a rehabilitated fox.

Our plans going forward are ambitious including completing the model museum, executing projects for conservation of wetlands, accelerating research, increased educational activities to marginalized communities (including via the mobile museum), expanded animal rehabilitation facilities, and implementing restoration and rehabilitation of habitats including via tree planting.

Our collective past successes and plans for the future are only doable because of hundreds of volunteers and donors. It is a COLLECTIVE work and we can do much more with your additional support. YOUR partnerships advances sustainability for both humans and natural communities in Palestine and beyond (our collective vision). Please visit http://palestinenature.org to partner with us or email us at info@palestinenature.org or call us 970-22773553 Visit us in Bethlehem and follow us on facebook