The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) and the Palestine Museum of Natural History (PMNH) were established to research, educate, and conserve Palestine’s natural world, culture, and heritage.
PIBS was founded in 2014 by Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh and Jessie Chang Qumsiyeh with the support of Bethlehem University. The PMNH was later opened in 2017, the Ethnography Exhibit in 2019, and the Biodiversity Center in 2021.
A mobile museum, funded by the EU, bringing education to marginalized communities. Launched on May 10, 2022, promoting accessibility to education. Visited 14 schools in Bethlehem and Hebron governorates in 2022, planning to visit 33 more in 2023.
Six activities tailored to children’s groups, raising awareness, and empowering youth. Introduction of interactive educational modules, like an environmental “snakes & ladders” game.
Continuous work in expanding knowledge and research, with fieldwork throughout Palestine. Focus on invertebrate and vertebrate fauna, flora, and molecular work. Expanding the herbarium and engagement in the Alliance of Nature Positive Universities.
Supports up to 30 individual plots, promoting food sovereignty. Uses organic produce from the Botanical Garden and other sources for events
Successful rehabilitation and release of various native animals, including kestrels, badgers, hyenas, and bats.
Completion of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for Palestine. Creation of a Protected Area Network (PAN) for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Engagement in awareness education, mainstreaming, and public outreach
Please check out this page if you would like to become involved: