Palestine Wildlife Society

Description

The Palestine Wildlife Society is a nonprofit organization that works on research, education and wildlife protection in Palestine and the wider region.

Its mission is the conservation and enhancement of Palestinian biodiversity and wildlife, following the philosophy of thinking globally and acting locally. It works on conserving and managing native species and habitats, monitoring and promoting important bird areas, and educating the public on wildlife and nature issues. It also encourages local communities to take part in conservation, sustainable development and eco-tourism, and it helps animals and farms.

The society treats conservation education as its main pillar, and its awareness work helped bring environmental studies into the national education curriculum. It takes part in Palestine’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan alongside the Environment Quality Authority. It is a partner organisation of BirdLife International and takes part in BirdLife’s Important Bird Areas programme, covering sites such as Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve and Wadi Qelt.

A group of thirteen people from the West Bank and Gaza Strip founded the society in 1999, after deciding in 1998 to form the first environmental organization of its kind in the area.