Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) – Palestine Museum of Natural History

Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh Nominated for 2025 Nobel Peace Prize

Bethlehem, Palestine – January 2, 2025 – Bethlehem University is honored to announce that Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh, founder and director of the Palestine Museum of Natural History (PMNH) and the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS), has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. This prestigious nomination was made by Nobel Laureate Mairead Corrigan Maguire in recognition of Professor Qumsiyeh’s unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence, and environmental sustainability over the past five decades.

“Professor Qumsiyeh’s work embodies the mission of Bethlehem University to serve as a beacon of hope in the Holy Land,” said Brother Hernán Santos, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University. “His dedication to fostering peace and sustainability not only uplifts Palestine but also inspires the global pursuit of human dignity and justice.”

Under Professor Qumsiyeh’s leadership, the Palestine Museum of Natural History and the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University have become integral components of the University’s commitment to research, education, and conservation. Through groundbreaking initiatives, such as the construction of green museum facilities and exhibit halls, these centers are advancing Bethlehem University’s mission to foster environmental awareness, sustainability, and the preservation of Palestine’s natural and cultural heritage.

“Professor Qumsiyeh’s achievements highlight the transformative power of education and collaboration,” noted Dr. Iman Saca, Academic Vice President of Bethlehem University. “His dedication to biodiversity and cultural preservation not only enriches the University’s academic community and strengthens our global partnerships, but also plays a vital role in safeguarding Palestinian identity and preventing its erasure, fostering a deeper understanding of Palestine’s heritage within the global context.”

To commemorate this milestone, Bethlehem University is launching a global fundraising campaign to support the ongoing educational and research initiatives led by PMNH and PIBS. Contributions to the campaign will enable Bethlehem University to expand its impact in Palestine and beyond, fostering peace, sustainability, and innovation.

“This fundraising campaign is an opportunity for Bethlehem University to continue its vital role in fostering peace, sustainability, and education,” said Dr. Robert Tabash, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Bethlehem University. “Through this effort, we aim to strengthen our commitment to environmental stewardship and preserve Palestine’s rich heritage for future generations.”

“Bethlehem University is honored to support Professor Qumsiyeh in this important work,” remarked Professor Bart McGettrick, Chair of the International Board of Regents of Bethlehem University. “This Nobel Peace Prize nomination reaffirms the critical role of the University in promoting peace and sustainability, grounded in the University’s Catholic and Lasallian values.”

About Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh

Professor Qumsiyeh is a Palestinian scientist, author, and educator with an extensive background in biology and medical genetics. He has published over 150 scientific papers and several books on topics ranging from cultural heritage to biodiversity. His commitment to nonviolent resistance and environmental sustainability has been instrumental in advancing peace and education in Palestine.

About PIBS/PMNH

The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University, was founded by the generosity of Prof. Mazin Qumsieyh and his wife Jessie Chang who also volunteer full-time at the institute.

The vision is to enhance and promote the sustainability of human and natural communities.

The mission is to research, educate about, and conserve our natural world, and Palestinian culture and heritage, and to use knowledge to promote responsible, empowered human interactions with all components of our environment. The institute developed infrastructure and human resources, which now include a Museum of Natural History (PMNH), an ethnography exhibit (cultural heritage), a botanic garden, a community garden, an animal rehabilitation center, a biodiversity center, a herbarium, molecular lab, Taxonomy lab and more.

Operating at local, regional, and global levels to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals, PIBS has achieved notable milestones amidst challenging political circumstances. These include establishing a museum of natural history, an exhibit on ethnography, a botanic garden,, a community garden, an animal rehabilitation center, a herbarium, a children’s playground, and more. We publish applied research papers, empower marginalized communities, and educate thousands annually (including via a mobile museum). We created a new protected area network and developed the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plans contributing to bridging knowledge-policy-practice gaps.

Looking ahead, our plans for the coming years are ambitious. These include introducing new bachelor’s, master’s, and even Ph.D. programs in biodiversity and sustainability, also expanding our regional and global influence. We are currently renovating a new building to become truly worthy of being a national museum, including a reception area, a peace garden, at least three exhibit areas, a cafeteria, and a gift shop. Work on the design of the new museum facilities is in progress with completion slated for 1.5 years, creating an exhibition space of >1000 sq meters, see the below video for a 3D sketch of our new museum.

The Cytogenetic Laboratory
The cytogenetics laboratory at Bethlehem University is the first of its kind on the West Bank. Engaged in research and clinical service in areas of cancer, congenital birth defects, infertility and genotoxicity/environmental health.

For our latest annual reports, see https://www.palestinenature.org/annual-reports/