The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability held an interactive educational activity as part of its weekly children’s program. This week’s session focused on how animals adapt to the winter season, addressing challenges such as finding food, conserving energy, and surviving colder temperatures. Children learned about various survival strategies, including hibernation, migration, and behavioral or […]
Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability Promotes Water Conservation
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) continued its efforts to raise environmental awareness through an educational event for children on Friday, 30 August 2024. The event was held in conjunction with World Water Week, which took place from August 25 to 29. The workshop focused on the critical importance of water conservation. Participants […]
International Delegation Visits Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability
Despite the challenging circumstances facing Palestine, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) continues to attract international interest. On Wednesday, 28 August 2024, PIBS welcomed a group of 33 visitors from the United States. The delegation toured the institute’s natural history and ethnography exhibits, explored the botanical garden, and attended a talk by Dr. […]
Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability Promotes Environmental Awareness
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) continues its efforts to raise awareness about natural and environmental issues through a variety of educational activities. Women’s Workshop on Medicinal Plants On Thursday, August 22, 2024, PIBS held a workshop for women led by artist and nutritionist Rasha Tayeb. The workshop focused on the health benefits […]
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Augusta Victoria Hospital – Jerusalem
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University, in collaboration with the Lutheran World Foundation, organized today an environmental activity at Augusta Victoria Hospital in Jerusalem. This initiative aimed to raise awareness among hospital staff about the crucial role of agriculture in fostering biodiversity and enhancing overall health, particularly within the context […]
Research, Education and Conservation at Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) has achieved significant milestones across its three core areas: research, education, and conservation, over the past week. Research: Researchers from PIBS undertook two overnight field trips to document regional biodiversity. The first trip focused on Wadi Qana-Salfit and Marj Sanour-Jenin, while the second explored the Northern Jordan […]
Field Work at Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability organizes field trips that are instrumental in documenting and studying Palestine’s floral and faunal biodiversity, conducting research, publishing scientific papers, and implementing conservation measures. These excursions not only deepen participants’ and local communities’ appreciation for Palestine’s natural heritage but also contribute valuable data to global and local biodiversity […]
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability Hosts Students from Thabra School
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University, in collaboration with A.M. Qattan Foundation, hosted students from Thabra Mixed Basic School (grades 6-9) for a day focused on environmental solutions. This event was part of the “STEAM PalHouse” project, which empowers students to develop solutions for environmental issues in their local communities. The […]
Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) – Palestine Museum of Natural History
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, [...]
Bethlehem University Student Successfully Defends Master’s Thesis on eDNA Biodiversity Assessment
Linda Handal successfully defended her Master’s thesis in the Biotechnology program at the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) on Friday, September 20, 2024. Her thesis, titled “Biodiversity Assessment of Wetlands in Palestine Using Environmental DNA (eDNA) Metabarcoding,” was supervised by Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh, with Dr. Omar Dar Issa as the internal supervisor and […]
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Visits Palestine Natural History Museum
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 […]
PIBS and EQA Collaborate on Wetland Conservation Plan
On Thursday, 15 August 2024, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Imad Eldine Al-Baba, Director of the Protected Areas and Biodiversity Department at the Environment Quality Authority (EQA). The visit was part of the ongoing project funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), titled “Science-Based Conservation […]
Munib and Angela Al-Masri Foundation’s Visit to PIBS
On Wednesday, 17 July 2024, The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) had the privilege of hosting Ms. Ruba Al-Ghadban, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Munib and Angela Almasri Foundation (MAMF), and Mr. Ziad Abu Erdeeneh, Projects Manager at MAMF. During their visit, they toured PIBS’s renovation project, which aims to transform […]
Prof. Mazin & Jessie Qumsiyeh visit to Australia and New Zealand
Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh, Director of Cytogenetic Services and Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS), and his wife Jessie recently returned from a 53-day advocacy tour across 17 cities in Australia and New Zealand (Aotearoa). Among their goals, the trip aimed to secure long-term support for Palestine, Bethlehem University, and the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity […]
Archaeology Students Explore Biodiversity at PIBS
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University recently welcomed students from the Bachelor of Arts program in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage. Accompanied by their professor, Dr. Omar Dar Issa, the students were visiting as part of their Fauna and Flora course. This visit exemplifies PIBS’s commitment to fostering interdepartmental collaboration within […]
PIBS Celebrates Biodiversity Day
This year’s Biodiversity’s Day theme is “Be part of the Plan.” But which plan are we talking about? It’s the Biodiversity Plan, part of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The GBF outlines an ambitious global conservation strategy, aiming for humanity to live in harmony with nature by 2050, and includes four main goals for […]
Bethlehem University Empowers Future Generations Through Sustainability Education
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University, in collaboration with Caritas Jerusalem, is conducting a series of educational activities titled “Empowering Future Generations.” Through a series of educational activities, school students visit the institute and explore its various sections, including the natural history and ethnography museums, and the botanical garden. The goal […]
Global Initiative Educating People About Our Rights in Palestine
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability recently organized an activity as part of a global initiative to educate people about their rights in Palestine, with a specific focus on maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Children enthusiastically joined us to celebrate the right to live in a clean environment. They embarked on a delightful […]
Bachelor of Science in Technology for Environmental Sustainability
Introduction In this era where we face huge environmental challenges created by humans, we humans must overcome these challenges via an education that is focused on humans working through the issues towards solving them themselves, making people “agents of their own recuperation”. Environmental education is correlated with economic development in nations. The new Palestinian National […]
Workshop: Environmental Work as Resistance to Israeli Colonization: Challenges and Opportunities
You are all invited to a workshop titled: Environmental Work as Resistance to Israeli Colonization: Challenges and Opportunities When and where: 11 AM to 1:00 PM Wednesday 10 May 2023 at the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (location/map here http://palestinenature.org/vist) Description/logic: Palestine is part of the Fertile Crescent where humans first domesticated plants and […]
International Conference on Biodiversity & Human Diversity
Palestine Institute for Biodiversity & Sustainability – Bethlehem University in partnership with the Palestinian Quality Authority, the Galilee Society, and the Palestinian Rapprochement between People Center cordially invite you to register for the 2nd Global Conference on Biodiversity & Human Diversity: “Towards Living in Harmony with Nature” Funded by the European Union Peacebuilding Initiative Wednesday & Thursday, […]
An Interview with Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh and Mohammad Najajreh
Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh teaches and does research at Bethlehem University and Birzeit University. A Palestinian born in Beit Sahour, he is the founder and director of the Palestine Museum of Natural History (PMNH) and the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University. He previously served on the faculties of the University of […]
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan Workshops
Within the national efforts carried out by the Environmental Quality Authority (EQA) in partnership with the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability / Bethlehem University (PIBS / BU) to prepare and update The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), ten workshops were held with governmental and private institutions and relevant national experts on various […]
Webinar: Environmental research leading to conservation and sustainability in Palestine
The Dean of Research and the Research Council held a webinar titled, “Environmental research leading to conservation and sustainability in Palestine,” Thursday, December 16, 2021. Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh and Mr. Elias Handal, from the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability, provided an overview of the research activities, educational programs, and other outreach plans they have […]
Colloquium: Environmental research, conservation and sustainability in Palestine
The Office of the Dean of Research and the Research Council are pleased to invite you to attend the seventh colloquium in the Research and Creativity colloquia series for the 2021-2022 academic year. Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh and Mr. Elias Handal, from the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability, will present on their project titled, “Environmental research leading […]
First Conference on Biodiversity and Human Diversity in Palestine
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University (PIBS-BU) held the “First Palestinian Conference on Biodiversity and Human Diversity in Palestine” on Tuesday, November 30, 2021. This conference is one of the activities of the “Unity Diversity in Nature and Society” project, funded by the European Union Peacebuilding Initiative (EUPI), and implemented in […]
Bethlehem University and Environmental Quality Authority Conclude National Report on Biodiversity
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) – Bethlehem University, in partnership with the Environmental Quality Authority (EQA), held a workshop to conclude the activities of the Sixth National Report on Biodiversity on Monday, 9 November 2021. The workshop also aimed to launch activities to update and prepare the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action […]
Advancing Environmental Awareness in Palestine
Someone once said that nature is a powerful teacher. If only people realized how rich these words are. Here, at Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability-Bethlehem University, we believe that we need to nurture more love of nature in our children- which leads to a more sustainable future. In January 2021, we started a new […]
Grand Opening of the Biodiversity Center
The Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University organized an opening ceremony for the recently established Biodiversity Center on Monday, 21 June 2021, within the Unity and Diversity in Nature and Society project funded by the European Union. Project Manager, Linda Majaj, welcomed the guests and gave introductory remarks. Vice Chancellor Brother Peter Bray […]
Opening of the Biodiversity Center & Future Conversations at Bethlehem
Link: http://www.defenddemocracy.press/opening-of-the-biodiversity-center-future-conversations-at-bethlehem/ From: Defend Democracy Press We had a grand opening of the Biodiversity Center at the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University this morning. Linda Majaj, Project manager MC’d the event and gave introductory remarks. We heard from Joris Heeren, the EU representative as well as from Brother Peter Bray (Vice-Chancellor […]
Grand Opening: Biodiversity Center
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity & sustainability / Bethlehem University invites you to the Grand Opening of the Biodiversity Center that is established through the EU-Funded “Unity and Diversity in Nature and Society” Project. Event Program:
Invitation: Training workshop for University Students on Biodiversity Conservation
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University (PIBS- BU), in partnership with The Galilee Society (GS) and The Palestinian Center for Rapprochement Between People (PCR), and in cooperation with the Environment Quality Authority (EQA) announce holding a training workshop tailored for university students (sciences and humanities) in Palestine and the region on […]
Biodiversity and hope flourish at Palestine’s first natural history museum
Link: https://www.middleeasteye.net/discover/biodiversity-and-hope-flourish-palestines-first-natural-history-museum From: Middle East Eye By Megan Giovannetti in Bethlehem, occupied West Bank The museum’s vision is of a sustainable community where humans and nature work and live together harmoniously Dr Mazin Qumsiyeh is sitting under the spring sun in the garden of Palestine’s first and only museum of natural history, proud of what […]
Cultural Heritage Protection Project Launched at the Palestine Museum of Natural History
The Palestine Museum of Natural History – Bethlehem University held a launching event for the “Building the Capacity to Protect the Palestinian Land and Heritage through Museology and Ecotourism” Project on Tuesday, 27 November 2018. The project is funded by the British Council through the Cultural Protection Fund and is implemented by the Museum in […]
Deputy Director for Administration at PIBS
Job Title: Deputy Director for Administration, Palestine Institute of Biodiversity & Sustainability (PIBS) Status: Full-Time regular contract Starting date: 1 February 2025 Job Summary: The Deputy Director for Administration is responsible for the administrative operations of Bethlehem University’s Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability. This involves collaborating with the Deputy Director for the Garden […]
Educational Activities to Promote Environmental Awareness at PIBS
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University remains committed to engaging the community through a variety of weekly activities, each focusing on new topics and reaching diverse audiences. On Thursday, 5 December 2024, PIBS hosted a webinar titled “Building Museums Fast: An Overview of Digital Exhibit Design and Fabrication.” This session, part […]
PIBS Organizes Activities to Enhance Environmental Awareness
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 […]
PIBS Organizes Educational Activity on Animal Adaptations
As part of the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability’s weekly educational activities, this week’s session was titled “Tales of Skulls and Teeth: What Do Teeth Say About What We Eat?” During the event, children enjoyed learning about the amazing adaptations in animals, discovering how unique traits like the shape of teeth, the thickness of […]
PIBS Concludes 10th Anniversary Celebrations with Community Event
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University wrapped up its 10th-anniversary celebrations with a heartwarming community event at Jemima on Thursday, 7 November 2024. Children experienced the wonders of nature by exploring the institute’s Natural History Exhibit and creating beautiful crafts from recycled materials. This event reflected the institute’s ongoing commitment to […]
Educational Activities to Promote Environmental Awareness at PIBS
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability remains dedicated to engaging the community through a variety of weekly activities, each introducing new topics and reaching diverse audiences. On Thursday, 31 October 2024, they hosted a webinar titled “Priorities and Strategy for Action on Environment in Crisis: Street-Proven Design and Lessons for Palestine.” This session, part […]
PIBS Organizes Olive Harvesting Activities
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) has initiated its olive harvest activities at the PIBS Botanical Garden, inviting the public to participate in this important agricultural tradition. This year’s harvest demonstrated strong community involvement, with participation from various groups. The PIBS team was joined by local and international volunteers, along with students from […]
PIBS Organizes Community-Focused Educational Activities
During the week of 21 October 2024, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) organized a series of educational activities focused on the community, aimed at enhancing environmental awareness and fostering sustainability. On Monday, 21 October 2024, PIBS visited Bardala Girls’ Secondary School and Kardala Basic School. This visit marked the conclusion of their […]
PIBS Organizes Weekly Children Educational Activity
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability organized its weekly educational activity for children on Friday, 18 October 2024, with this week’s theme centered around agriculture. As fall has arrived, the children took part in planting the community garden at the institute, preparing it for the new winter agricultural season. Following the planting session, the […]
PIBS Visits Marginalized Schools in Jordan Valley
Last week, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) conducted visits to four marginalized schools in the Jordan Valley using its Mobile Educational Unit, the first of its kind in Palestine. This initiative aims to reach a diverse range of students, universities, and remote communities throughout the West Bank. With support from the Ministry […]
PIBS Concludes Workshops for Women’s Environmental Center in Nahalin
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS), in partnership with Women Media and Development/TAM and the Nahalin Municipality, wrapped up a series of four engaging workshops aimed at establishing a Women’s Environmental Center in Nahalin. These workshops were designed to equip the founding members with the essential knowledge and skills they need to run […]
Community Engagement for Environmental Awareness Through PIBS
During the week of October 7, 2024, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability – Bethlehem University (PIBS) organized a series of educational activities aimed at raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainability within the community. The week commenced on Wednesday, 9 October 2024, with a collaborative training workshop organized in partnership with the Women’s Development […]
Training Workshops to Support Women’s Environmental Center in Nahalin
In a powerful collaboration that reflects Bethlehem University’s commitment to community development and sustainability, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS), alongside Women Media and Development/TAM and the Nahalin Municipality, launched a transformative initiative: a series of training workshops to establish a Women’s Environmental Center in Nahalin. This center aims to empower women, provide […]
Empowering Women for Water Conservation: PIBS Workshop
On 28 September 2024, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University, in collaboration with Women of the Sun, hosted a workshop for women from marginalized Palestinian communities. The event focused on practical solutions to water shortages, beginning with a hands-on session where participants learned to make biodegradable detergents. These eco-friendly alternatives […]
PIBS Organizes Nature Exploration for Scout Troop
On Friday, 27 September 2024, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) partnered with the Cremisan Salesian Convent to organize a nature and biodiversity visit for 25 children from the Terra Sancta Scout Troop. The goal of the program was to increase the children’s awareness and appreciation for the environment. The day began with […]
Workshop on Sustainable Agriculture at PIBS
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University, in collaboration with the A.M. Qattan Foundation, organized a workshop for students from Thabra Mixed Basic School on Thursday, 26 September 2024. The workshop focused on sustainable agriculture, covering the history of farming in Palestine and highlighting its rich agricultural heritage along with fundamental environmental […]
PIBS Marks World Cleanup Day with Educational Event
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) joined the global community in celebrating World Cleanup Day on Friday, 20 September 2024. PIBS organized a special educational event for children to promote environmental awareness and inspire positive behavioral change. During the event, children learned about the importance of keeping the environment clean, proper waste disposal, […]
PIBS Promotes Environmental Awareness Through Children’s Activities
As part of its mission to promote research, education, and environmental conservation—emphasizing the rich biodiversity of Palestine—the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability hosts weekly activities designed to raise environmental awareness among children and encourage positive behavioral changes. On Friday, 13 September 2024, PIBS organized a special event focused on medicinal plants in its botanical […]
PIBS holds two Educational Activities to Promote Environmental Awareness
This week, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability conducted two engaging educational activities centered on environmental topics, both of which occur on a weekly basis, featuring new subjects each time. The first activity was a webinar highlighting a manuscript accepted for publication in the Journal of Threatened Taxa, titled “Noteworthy Records of Vascular Plants […]
Organic Honey from PIBS’s Botanical Garden
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) harvested fresh, organic honey from their Botanical Garden on Friday, 16 August 2024. This event underscores the critical role bees play in ecological balance and illustrates the advantages of sustainable honey production practices. Bees are indispensable for pollinating a wide range of plants, a process that is […]
Community Engagement at PIBS
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) continues to engage with the community through a range of regular and diverse activities, each week featuring new topics and beneficiaries. This week, on Thursday, 8 August 2024, they hosted a webinar titled “Management Plan for Protected Areas (PAs) Containing Wetlands in the Jordan Valley, Palestine,” aimed […]
World Nature Conservation Day
On 28 July 2024, World Nature Conservation Day serves as a crucial reminder of the collective duty to protect the planet’s natural resources and diverse ecosystems. Conservation is not just the responsibility of environmental organizations; it is something that everyone can support in their daily lives. Simple actions, such as reducing single-use plastics with reusable […]
Environmental Education at PIBS
During the week of 22 July 2024, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) team actively engaged the community through a series of enriching educational activities, demonstrating their commitment to environmental education. A key highlight was an online workshop titled “Echolocation: The Language of Bats,” presented by Professor Zuhair Amr from Jordan University of Science […]
Environmental Conservation Efforts at PIBS
Each week at the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) is unique, but all activities are centered on its core mission of environmental conservation. PIBS aims to conserve the environment by raising awareness about the importance of a healthy environment and how people’s daily actions, often done without thinking, heavily affect it. During the […]
Volunteers at PIBS
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) currently has 12 volunteers, with 7 of them residing at PIBS. This is the highest number of volunteers the institute has hosted simultaneously since the war began 9 months ago. The group is diverse, including individuals from China, the USA, and Britain, as well as local Palestinian […]
PIBS Continues Environmental Work
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) remains actively engaged in environmental research and education. Last week, the institute’s team embarked on two field trips, led by staff and a combination of local and international volunteers. On Thursday morning, 11 July 2024, the team visited the small village of Artas, located within the Bethlehem […]
PIBS’s Animal Rehabilitation Unit
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) established an Animal Rehabilitation Unit in 2019, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating numerous threatened animals. The unit has provided care for a diverse array of species, including mammals (foxes, hyenas, European badgers, mongooses, and bats), birds (golden eagles, eagle owls, black kites, crows), and reptiles (snakes). The […]
PIBS’s Weekly Children Educational Activities
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability organized its weekly educational activity for children. During the event, the children played environmental games developed in-house at PIBS, including a Snakes and Ladders game designed to teach about sustainable living and reducing climate change. They also participated in fun competitions, learning interesting facts about fruits, vegetables, and […]
PIBS Hosts Children’s Flower Planting Activity
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability organized a flower planting activity with flowers donated by their partners at Cremisan Salesian Convent, in celebration of the Institute’s tenth anniversary. During the planting, PIBS conducted their weekly educational activity for children, teaching them about the importance of farming and its positive impact on the environment.
Kids Club Summer Camp Visits PIBS
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University is ready for another exciting summer of environmental education! With the arrival of summer, PIBS is welcoming numerous camp and scout groups to raise awareness about environmental issues. The first group to visit PIBS was the Kids Club Summer Camp, a group of 32 […]
PIBS at Bethlehem University Recognizes World Environment Day
This year’s theme of the World Environment Day “land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience,” aligns with our mission and vision in Palestine. Through all our activities at the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS), we emphasize that sustainable human and natural communities begin with each of us individually. Palestine faces significant environmental challenges caused […]
PIBS Celebrates World Environment Day
In observance of World Environment Day, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University organized a engaging activity – planting flowers in their botanical garden. This initiative aimed to cultivate a deeper connection with nature among participants. PIBS team members, including staff, local volunteers, and international volunteers, all joined hands for the […]
PIBS’s Weekly Children Educational Activities
This week, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) hosted a fun and educational program for children focused on insects, particularly their crucial role as pollinators. The young participants began by exploring the importance of biodiversity in the success of agriculture. Through a guided tour of the botanical garden, they observed different insects and […]
PIBS Hold Engaging Activities at Cremisan Monastery
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University is continuing its successful partnership with the Salesians of Don Bosco at the Cremisan Monastery. This ongoing series of activities aims to cultivate a spirit of environmental respect and care in young people. Through immersive experiences in nature and engaging craft projects, the program […]
PIBS Weekly Educational Activity for Children
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University celebrated International Day for Biological Diversity with an educational activity for children on Friday, 24 May 2024. The children first explored the institute’s botanical garden with exploration kits which consist of compasses, measuring tapes, magnifying glasses, tubes and forceps, notebooks, and pens. They gathered […]
Lifegate Rehabilitation Center Visits PIBS
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University, in collaboration with Caritas Jerusalem, is conducting a series of educational activities titled “Empowering Future Generations.” Through a series of educational activities, school students visit the institute and explore its various sections, including the natural history and ethnography museums, and the botanical garden. The goal […]
Interactive Workshop on Endangered Species for Children
In commemoration of International Day for Endangered Species, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University organized a special learning activity for children on Friday, 17 May 2024. The children learned about endangered species in Palestine, the threats leading to their endangerment, and ways to protect them. They played an interactive game to […]
Training Session for 4th-Grade Teachers
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University, in partnership with the Palestine Heritage Trail, organized a training session for 4th-grade teachers. The session addressed various topics, including Palestinian geography, ecotourism, agriculture, as well as the rich and diverse floral and faunal biodiversity of Palestine. The teachers also learned about environmental threats […]
PIBS Inspires National Pride in Children through Independence Day Event
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability organized a special educational event on 15 November 2023, commemorating Independence Day. The event aimed to instill a sense of national pride in children by providing them with a unique experience in the institute’s botanical garden. Children enjoyed a guided tour, observing animals, cultivated plants, and learning about […]
BU’s PIBS Team Concludes Successful Erasmus Program Training in Greece
A team from Bethlehem University’s Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability recently wrapped up an enriching training program in Greece, made possible through the Erasmus program. The program saw active participation from 20 individuals representing Palestine, Bulgaria, Italy, Greece, and France. During this comprehensive training, participants learned about the fundamental principles of ecological agriculture and […]
Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator Job Type: Staff Starting date: 1 August 2023 Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University seeks a full time Project Coordinator for a 16-months project funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF). The project is titled “Science Based Conservation of Wetlands in KBAs in Palestine”. The project aims to collect data (including […]
PIBS MoU with Women of the Sun Charity
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Women of the Sun Charity Association to enhance mutual cooperation in common fields that serve The Palestinian Society and serve nature and humans in the broader framework. This MoU aims to develop society by rehabilitating women […]
Green Tourism Hackathon
14-16 March 2023 TIH – Tourism Innovation Hub powered by Bethlehem Business Incubator and Yunus Social Business Centre at Bethlehem University in partnership with UNESCO organized a 3 days Green Tourism hackathon for 33 participants (14 males & 19 females) that aimed to support and encourage youth entrepreneurs to develop green startups in the tourism […]
PIBS library adopts Library of Congress System
This week, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability – Bethlehem University (PIBS-BU) concluded the integration of the Library of Congress classification system into the PIBS library. The PIBS library is one of the facilities available at the institute for people to come, enjoy, and benefit from. This opportunity is especially good for university students […]
Bethlehem University Inaugurates the First Mobile Museum
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University organized an event at Bethlehem Secondary School for Girls to launch the first mobile educational exhibition of its kind in Palestine on Tuesday, 10 May 2022. As part of the “Unity and Diversity in Nature and Society” project funded by the European Union, the mobile […]
Nano Materials Application for Water Remediation
By the Biodiversity Center, Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability, Bethlehem University Presenter: Rawan Mlih, Institut für Bio- und Geowissenschaften, Juelich, Germany Abstract: Removal of contaminants in water and wastewater is a severe issue in the world. In recent years, nanomaterials have been at the forefront of active research worldwide. Nanomaterials range in size between […]
MEMO in conversation with Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh
Link: https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210520-memo-in-conversation-with-prof-mazin-qumsiyeh/ From: MEMO Middle East Monitor Qumsiyeh has published well over 150 scientific papers on topics ranging from cultural heritage to biodiversity in addition to several books.May 20, 2021 at 1:22 pm | Published in: Israel, MEMO in Conversation With, Middle East, Palestine, Videos & Photo Stories Watch our conversation with Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh […]
EUPI Research Grants Call
Research Grants Announcement The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University (PIBS- BU), The Galilee Society (GS), and The Palestinian Center for Rapprochement Between People (PCR) announce the availability of research grants in areas of biodiversity and human and diversity. Funded, by the European Union Peacebuilding Initiative, the “Unity and Diversity in Nature […]
Bethlehem University, Environment Quality Authority Sign MoU
Bethlehem University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Environment Quality Authority on Monday, 07 December 2020, at the Palestine Museum of Natural History. The Vice Chancellor Brother Peter Bray and the Head of the Environment Quality Authority Mr. Jameel Mattor signed the MoU in the presence of the Director General of Natural Resources […]
Professor Qumsiyeh Donates Award Money to PIBS, Bethlehem University
Prof. Mazin B. Qumsiyeh, Director of the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) and the Palestine Museum of Natural History at Bethlehem University received the prestigious “2020 Paul K. Feyerabend Award – A World of Solidarity is Possible.” Prof. Qumsiyeh said he accepted the award on behalf of the team at the Palestine Institute […]
Research Grants Announcement
The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University (PIBS- BU), The Galilee Society (GS), and The Palestinian Center for Rapprochement Between People (PCR) announce the availability of research grants in the areas of human and bio- diversity. The project funded by the European Union Peace building Initiative “Unity and Diversity in Nature and […]
About the Center
About the Center Using largely volunteer efforts and local donations, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) and its offspring, the Palestine Museum of Natural History (PMNH) and ecological botanical gardens at Bethlehem University were started in 2014. PMNH opened to the public in 2017 and its cultural heritage exhibit (first of its kind [...]
FEATURE: New Discoveries in World Heritage Site
Palestine contains diverse habitats for such a small country and is biologically more diverse than some countries ten times its size. For the first time, the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) at Bethlehem University is carrying out projects that protect both people and nature. Several plant species are declining rapidly due to political […]
Environmental Education at PIBS
During the week of 29 July, the Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) team was actively engaged in advancing environmental education through a series of activities. Through its Palestine Museum of Natural History (PMNH), the institute hosted two summer camp visits, directly interacting with 40 children from the Bethlehem Governorate. The children explored the […]
Conference: Towards Living in Harmony with Nature
Palestine Institute for Biodiversity & Sustainability – Bethlehem University in partnership with the Palestinian Quality Authority, the Galilee Society, and the Palestinian Rapprochement between People Center cordially invite you to register for the 2nd Global Conference on Biodiversity & Human Diversity: “Towards Living in Harmony with Nature” Funded by the European Union Peacebuilding Initiative Wednesday & Thursday, […]
“New Year, New Fun” Educational Events at PMNH
Since 2020 has been a difficult year for everybody, the Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability (PBIS) started an educational series for children titled “New Year, New Fun” which aims to relieve some of the pandemic stress and connect children with nature. The year began with a “Find it, Stick it” scavenger hunt on 15 […]
Biogas Unit constructed by PIBS Volunteers
Volunteers at Bethlehem University built a Biogas Unit at the Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS). The PIBS and its EU-funded Biodiversity Center continue to develop usable modules for education and for saving our environment. In this case, organic waste (such as kitchen waste) is digested by anaerobic bacteria (without oxygen) which then produce Methane […]
Dean of Research – Faculty Accomplishments
Home Announcements Services Faculty Accomplishments Faculty AccomplishmentFaculty of ScienceFaculty of ArtsFaculty of NursingFaculty of EducationHotel ManagementFaculty of BusinessOthersFaculty of Science 2023 Accomplishments Dr. Michel Hanania, Dean of Science and Chairperson of the Department of Chemistry, had his co-authored article titled, "Comparison of Total Phenolic content, total flavonoid content, Antioxidant activity, Antimicrobial activity and content of [...]
Dean of Research – Bethlehem University Journal
Home Announcements Services Faculty Accomplishments Bethlehem University Journal About the Journal Bethlehem University Journal (ISSN 2410-5449) is a peer-reviewed scholarly journal published annually by the Office of the Dean of Research at Bethlehem University. Starting 2019, Bethlehem University Journal (BUJ) will be published twice a year. BUJ welcomes original articles and publishes special issues on [...]