MAIN OBJECTIVES AND OUTPUTS OF THE PALESTINIAN PROJECT

1. Development and implementation of policies for the sustainable management of wetlands and coastal areas.

 Reinforcing the legal framework required to establish a network of protected areas within the territories of the Palestinian Authority.
 Reinforcing the legal basis required for effective implementation of the existing Coastal Zone Management Plan.
 Improving the information on the distribution of coastal biodiversity to establish a network of conservation areas along the Mediterranean coastline.

2. Protection and removal of root causes of the loss of biodiversity of global significance in key demonstration sites.

Instituting and strengthening an integrated approach for the management of selected wetlands and coastal sites in Palestine Authority.

3. Contributing to "closing the Mediterranean circle" in terms of biodiversity protection and sustainable management of wetlands and coastal zones through networking and training.

 Designing and implementing a national training plan.
 Exchanging technical know-how and experience within the region.

DOCUMENTATION

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STATUS AND DESCRIPTION OF THE MEDWETCOAST SITES IN PALESTINE

Wadi Gaza

Site is a protected area by law . 250 ha which includes mainly the wadi banks (bed and mouth before it reaches the sea).

 Threats: Pollution from domestic liquid and solid waste. Disposal of construction debris in Wadi bed. Encroaching urban development. Depletion of resources from overgrazing, trees cutting , hunting... Long-term dryness of Wadi through retention of water in catchments area. Bridge construction in the Wadi mouth leading to lack of biotic exchange with the sea. Planned seaport nearby the Wadi to be properly assessed.

Site Protection through management planning
 Ensure legal protection status of site
 Establish participatory management structures at local level
 Divert threats away from sensitive areas
 Regulation enforcement and wardening at sites level
 Intersectoral planning
 Establish pilot operations with local people
 Ensure compatibility with biodiversity conservation