The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University organized two activities last week aimed at enhancing environmental awareness and strengthening the connection between the local community and nature.
The first activity was a visit from the Environmental Club of the Muhammad Salem Al-Dhweib Boys’ School, where the students toured several of the institute’s facilities. They first visited the Palestine Museum of Natural History to learn about the biodiversity of Palestine, then explored the Ethnography Exhibit to discover local cultural heritage. The students also visited the botanical garden, where they had the opportunity to see hyenas currently being cared for in the Animal Rehabilitation Unit. This sparked discussions about the importance of animal rehabilitation and protection, as well as the role of the garden in preserving plant diversity.
The second activity was part of the institute’s weekly children’s program, where this week the focus was on the seasons, with a special emphasis on autumn. The children learned about the changes that plants undergo during this season and discovered why leaves change color and fall. They then toured the botanical garden to collect fallen leaves, followed by a craft activity where they used the leaves to create handmade artwork, allowing them to apply what they learned in a creative way.
These activities highlight PIBS’s commitment to providing environmental education that fosters a connection with nature and promotes environmental awareness across different segments of the community.
