Educational Activities to Promote Environmental Awareness at PIBS

The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University remains committed to engaging the community through a variety of weekly activities that align with its mission to raise awareness and promote behavioral change in environmental protection.

On Tuesday, 28 January 2025, PIBS hosted students from the Lifegate Rehabilitation Center, who explored the Palestine Museum of Natural History, the Ethnography Exhibit, and the Botanical Garden. This visit provided an opportunity for the students to learn about Palestine’s rich biodiversity and the critical importance of environmental conservation for maintaining healthy ecosystems and ensuring a sustainable future.

On Thursday, 31 January 2025, PIBS hosted a webinar as part of its ongoing series, during which they presented their newly accepted manuscript, Evaluating War-Induced Damage to Agricultural Land in the Gaza Strip Since October 2023. Co-authored with scientists from five countries, the manuscript highlighted the significant damage to tree crops and greenhouses in Gaza, underscoring the severe effects of recent violence on agriculture and food security in the region.

The following day, Friday, 31 January 2025, PIBS hosted a children’s educational event at the Botanical Garden, as part of its weekly activities. The children participated in an insect exploration, where they searched for insects, observed their habitats, and learned about their behaviors. The session concluded with a discussion on the vital roles insects play in the environment and a closer look at their unique features.

Through these activities, PIBS aims to raise awareness and inspire positive behavioral changes that contribute to the protection of the environment.