The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University remains steadfast in its mission to promote environmental awareness, sustainability, and community engagement. Through diverse educational and research initiatives, PIBS is fostering a culture of conservation and responsible environmental stewardship in Palestine.
On Thursday, 13 March 2025, PIBS welcomed students from Bethlehem Evangelical Academy – Beit Sahour for an enriching educational visit. The students explored Palestine’s rich biodiversity through guided tours of the Palestine Museum of Natural History, the Ethnography Exhibit, and PIBS’s botanical garden. Witnessing flowers in full bloom, the students gained a deeper appreciation for nature and discovered ways to contribute to its preservation.
Extending its outreach beyond campus, PIBS’s Mobile Education Unit traveled to the village of Al-Tuwani in Yatta on March 13 and Abu Al-Ghizlan in Dura on March 15, 2025. Over 150 community members participated in interactive workshops centered on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. These workshops empowered participants with knowledge and practical tools to incorporate sustainable habits into their daily lives, strengthening environmental consciousness at the grassroots level.
In celebration of World Recycling Day on March 14, PIBS organized an educational activity dedicated to teaching children the importance of waste reduction through recycling and repurposing materials. A highlight of the event was a creative hands-on activity in which children transformed discarded bottle caps into a vibrant and artistic garden, demonstrating how sustainability can be both educational and inspiring.
Furthering its research and conservation efforts, PIBS conducted a field trip to Wadi Fukin on March 12 to document the area’s biodiversity. This expedition led to the observation of rare plant species and the first-ever recording of Salvia sclarea in the West Bank, which has now been planted in PIBS’s garden as part of ongoing conservation initiatives to protect endangered flora.
Through these comprehensive efforts, Bethlehem University and PIBS continue to drive meaningful environmental impact, nurturing future generations of conservationists and fostering a sustainable future for Palestine. These initiatives not only contribute to scientific research but also reinforce Bethlehem University’s dedication to serving the community through education, outreach, and sustainability-driven projects.
