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Palestine- Location & History:
Palestine
is a land that has a lot to offer for its people and the whole world because of
its natural resources and unique species. This uniqueness is due to several
factors: its location between three major continents (Europe, Asia, and
Africa); the climate that provides it with a rich environment, and
its rich and generous soil. These elements let many forms of nature inhabit this
land, and make it interesting for many biologists and researchers alike.
☺What is the Palestine Wildlife Society?
(PWLS)
►Definition:
PWLS is an active and professional NGO, and Non profit organization
working in research and Education / awareness in Nature Conservation
(Conservation Education) among the Palestinian Society and the region.
►History:
Palestine
Wildlife Society
was established in 1999 and is the first of its kind in the area. Since then the
society has clear and strategic objectives regarding Environmental
Educational Concepts and Conservation of Nature and Biodiversity which
has made it through the years a society that proved dedication and effectiveness
in raising environmental awareness throughout different sections in Palestinian
territories and the general region.
►Beliefs & Philosophy:
“Think Globally, Act Locally.”
That is the conservation philosophy that the PWLS stresses on nowadays.
PWLS
believes that Conservation Education is the main pillar in the
conservation movement. Therefore it has worked intensively in the field of
awareness and education with different sections. A result of its success was the
inclusion of environmental studies in the national education curriculum and was
part of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for
Palestine
with the Ministry of Environmental Affairs.
☺Headquarters
and Funds:
The headquarters of
PWLS is in Beit Sahour (Bethlehem District), in cooperation with three
organizations working in different districts and Locations in
Palestine
(National Organizations):
1.
Palestinian
Organization for the Protection of the Environment/
Jenin.
2.
Green Peace
Association/ Dier Al-Baleh-
Gaza.
3.
Commission for the
Promoting of Tourism in the Government of
Jericho
4.
PARC…
and other Ministries & Governmental organizations: Agriculture, Tourism,
Education & Environmental Quality Authority, etc, in addition to local
environmental networks in villages and towns.
☺ Palestine Wildlife Society Mission &
Objectives:
“The Conservation and Enhancement
of Palestinian Biodiversity & Wildlife.”
The following objectives are being established:
1.
Conservation and
management of native species and habitats.
2.
Education and
promotion of wildlife and nature.
3.
Active
participation and involvement of local communities in the Conservation Movement,
sustainable development, eco tourism, including the Desertification Convention
and Food Security.
4.
Monitoring and
promoting important bird areas.
5.
Helping animals and
farms.
☺Important
Programs of the Palestine
Wildlife Society:
“Nature Conservation
Program”:
Ø
Research & Monitoring of Birds in Palestine,
with emphasis on:
a.
Global endangered &
threatened bird species.
b.
Migratory bird
species routs.
c.
Important
Biodiversity
Research Conservation Program.
Ø
Establishment of Wildlife Monitoring Stations. Stations in some sites
include: BeitJala/Wadi Makhror, Hebron/Wadi Masafer, Jericho
and Wadi Gaza.
Ø
Capacity building:
Training of local and regional ecologists on Nature Conversation & Management.
Ø
Education and Promotion Program:
a-
Education and promotion of Wildlife, Habitats, and Environmental Human Rights
through the Eco Club activities the whole year round such as the
Environmental Summer/Winter Camps,
Eco
Garden, Environmental
Education (formal & informal activities), and School Children trips to Nature
Reserves and similar activities.
b-
Production of Printing Materials including Posters, Magazines and Video
films, etc.
c-
Inclusion of Wildlife Conservation in National Curriculum for the
Palestinian Schools (grades 7-10).
Ø
Introducing the
Eco-Tourism Concept
in the Palestinian Society.
Ø
Desertification:
controlling and decreasing this phenomenon through controlling overgrazing and
forestation of the different areas with native plants (working with Food
Security & Land Reclamation programs).
☺PWLS Sections:
-
Communication:
This section
is divided into 2 main subdivisions, where each plays a major
role in achieving the objectives of the organization:
a)
Nature Multi Media Division:
This division is specialized in preparing and producing environmental and
awareness means and tools such as Video Films, informational CD’s, TV episodes
and documentaries and other media production means, which cover issues
concerning the environment, conservation, biodiversity and nature protection.
b)
Marketing Division:
This division is specialized in covering the process of finding funding
agencies, keeping track of the progress of each project, to ensure the
implementation of the criteria of each project.
2.
Education:
This section is dedicated to enhance and spread environmental education and
awareness among the local communities all over the Palestinian Territory.
It uses distinct methods, and applies different programs to achieve this purpose
such as Eco-Schools, Student Environmental Mail, and other environmental
publications (posters, flyers…etc) that help in the educational process.
3.
Field Survey of Wildlife Research:
This Section is dedicated to work that has to do with conducting monitoring and
survey activities to wildlife and nature. Giving a complete study on endangered
species and list it in a scientific way, migration routs, biodiversity, and
monitoring environmental phenomenon.
4.
Animal Welfare Unit:
This Section is dedicated to work that has to do with helping the animal farms
activities, giving complete support and rehabilitation.
Contact Information
- Imad Atrash
-
Executive
Director
- Telefax (Main
Office - Beit Sahour):
-
+972-2-277-4373
- Telephone:
-
+972-2-277-4750
- Jericho Office:
-
+972-2-232-4958
- Postal address
-
Beit-Sahour POBox 89 Palestine
- Electronic mail
Full Partner
Palestine Wildlife Society with accredited status with the UNCCD- United
Nations
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