His Excellency Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Hani Al-Hayek, paid a visit to the Palestine Museum of Natural History on Saturday, 24 August 2024. He was warmly welcomed by Brother Hernán Santos, Vice Chancellor, Brother Jack Curran, Vice President for Advancement, and Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh and his wife, Mrs. Jessie Qumsiyeh, founders of the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS).
Minister Al-Hayek commended the museum’s significance, emphasizing that it reflects the deep-rooted connection of the Palestinian people to their land. He affirmed that the Israeli occupation cannot alter this bond. The Minister expressed his gratitude to Professor Qumsiyeh and the museum staff for their contributions to advancing scientific research in biodiversity in Palestine, noting that Palestine possesses a rich biodiversity deserving of attention and documentation for future generations.
Al-Hayek stressed the importance of continuing to develop the museum and assured the ministry’s full cooperation to enhance its operations. He called for increased efforts to attract school and university students, as well as civil society organizations, to visit this important site and learn about Palestine’s unique natural biodiversity, in collaboration with various partners.
In turn, Professor Qumsiyeh welcomed Minister Al-Hayek and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the museum and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to support and develop the museum’s work. Qumsiyeh spoke about the museum’s history and its significance as a center for research, education, and preserving the natural world and cultural heritage to foster a positive and responsible interaction with the environment.
At the end of the visit, Minister Al-Hayek toured the museum’s facilities and observed the daily work of its volunteers.