A protected area review and design for Palestine was conducted during 2021-2022 with the aim
of reviewing and updating the current protected areas using systematic conservation planning
principles and The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) protected area design criteria to
establish a connected, representative, efficient, and climate-resilient network of protected areas.
This was done through a project funded by The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
The project was implemented by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in
collaboration with the Enviornment Quality Authority of Palestine (EQA), Palestine Museum of
Natural History, Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Ministry of Local Government (MoLG), Biodiversity
and Environmental Research Center (BERC), Nature Palestine, Palestine Wildlife Society
(PWLS), and other relevant entities and national experts.
An analysis of the current Protected Area Network and Design was conducted, which revealed a
number of gaps and challenges. These include a lack of systematic documentation, weak stakeholder
engagement in the planning and designation process, unclear governance structure and
management of protected areas, and unsystematic planning and designation based on natural
values. It is evident that there is a need to set clear targets for conservation of critical habitats
and species within the network. Furthermore, current research programs are not adequately
dedicated to cover all protected areas in a systematic manner. Its essential to update and
strengthen the current conservation legislation in Palestine to comply with international treaties
and obligations. Detailed guidance must be provided on how the Environmental Quality Authority
(EQA) should fulfill its duties as outlined in Article 40 of the law. Additionally, scientific data
must be collected on all protected areas and potential protected areas using the best available
methods for geography, geology, hydrology, fauna, and flora. This data can then be used to
identify biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Furthermore, management plans should
be developed that take into account social, cultural and economic factors as well as an ecosystem
approach. By doing so, Palestine can ensure that its conservation efforts are effective and
in line with international standards. In order to ensure the proper planning and designation of
protected areas across Palestine, a clear reference vegetation map must be used. The current
review process for protected areas has identified a reference vegetation that can be used as
a basis for the review and update of the PAs network. This reference vegetation map should
provide detailed information on the various vegetation types present in Palestine, including their
distribution, composition, and structure. This will enable decision makers to make informed
decisions about which areas should be designated as protected areas and which should not.
Additionally, this reference vegetation map will also provide valuable data for monitoring and
evaluating the effectiveness of existing protected areas.
