Environmental Priorities in Palestine

Follows is a summary of the major environmental issues in Palestine as stated in many Environmental workshops and seminars held recently in Palestine to discuss this issue. The environmental group at An-Najah University in Nablus, Palestine, has collected this summary.

• WASTEWATER:
  This is a major issue in almost all cities and villages in Palestine. Treatment and reuse of wastewater is a first priority.
• SOLID WASTE:
  This issue gets as much attention as the first one. It is predominantly clear in Gaza strip and in the main cities in the West Bank. Treatment and recycling of solid waste is the subject for many studies done on this subject in the region.
• ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND EDUCATION:
  The participation of the public in finding solutions for the major environmental issues and also the public awareness of the importance for dealing with these issues gets much attention from officials and environmental groups in Palestine.
• ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS:
  Officials in the Palestine Authority have been working hard on drafts for the laws, regulations and law enforcement. The Palestine council is expected to discuss and approve such regulations this year 1996.
• OTHER MAJOR ISSUES ARE:
• AIR POLLUTION.
• CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY.
• NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION.
• COMBAT DESERTIFICATION.