Publications
In the Land of Olives and Vines: A Conversation about Climate Justice as Political Resistance in Palestine
A unique exploration of climate justice as a form of political resistance emerges from the conversation between journalist Sheila Reid and three student journalists, centered around their live journalism piece 'Letter from Battir.' The work, developed during an international journalism course focused on food reporting through decolonial and community-based perspectives, sheds light on the struggles faced by the West Bank village of Battir. Presented at the 2023 International Live Journalism Festival, this piece highlights global climate issues, particularly in the context of Palestine's cultural landscape, offering a nuanced understanding of how local communities engage with climate justice as an act of defiance against systemic challenges.
Biodiversity conservation of a new protected area ‘Al-Arqoub’, South Jerusalem Hills, Palestine
'Al-Arqoub' in the South Jerusalem Hills, Palestine, is designated as a protected area (IUCN Category VI) due to its exceptional biodiversity and vulnerability. The study documented 417 plant species, 15 fungi, 105 birds, 3 amphibians, 12 reptiles, and 31 mammals, highlighting its ecological significance within the Mediterranean Biodiversity Hotspot. Threats such as harmful agricultural practices, urbanization, and land fragmentation were identified, prompting the implementation of biocultural conservation strategies. These efforts benefit four marginalized communities through sustainable agriculture, women's empowerment, ecotourism, ecosystem restoration, and education. The designation aligns with Palestine's National Biodiversity Strategy (2023-2030) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, serving as a model for conservation in politically unstable regions.
Conservation of dry-stone structures: a practical study on the Al-Makhrour’s watchtowers
A practical conservation project successfully revitalized twenty dry-stone watchtowers within the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines, Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem.' The study documented fifty watchtowers out of approximately 259 across 13 square kilometers, addressing their deteriorating condition that contributed to the site's inclusion on UNESCO's in-danger list. The project employed a multi-disciplinary approach, including field surveys, literature reviews, and assessments of previous conservation efforts, adhering to international guidelines for documentation, reversibility, authenticity, distinguishability, adaptive reuse, cultural landscape, and human dimension. This work highlights the importance of systematic conservation practices in preserving such unique cultural landscapes.
Sustainability of the Palestinian historic village of Battir
Battir, a Palestinian village renowned for its ancient terraced landscape and inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2014, faces significant challenges in preserving its historic built heritage while ensuring sustainability. A comprehensive Sustainable Plan, led by the International Peace and Cooperation Center (IPCC), outlines strategies for conserving the village core and enhancing its surroundings. The plan emphasizes the role of heritage preservation in creating socio-economic opportunities for inhabitants, focusing on better management of natural and cultural resources. Key findings highlight the current state of conservation and propose interventions to address these challenges, aiming to balance authenticity with sustainable development.
The Treasure Map of the citizen childhood
Children in Battir, Palestine, created the 'Treasure Map' by geospatializing local data during open mapping workshops at their village's public library. This innovative project, led by a team of young Palestinian professionals without prior cartographic expertise, demonstrated how citizen-driven initiatives can effectively combine scientific rigor with artistic expression to preserve and interpret local heritage. The map integrates topographic surveys from Battir and neighboring villages, offering an editable, interpretable, and visually memorable tool for public information. Unlike traditional cartographic works bound by confidentiality, this project prioritizes transparency and community engagement, showcasing the potential of participatory mapping in cultural landscape conservation.
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