Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity

Native Mediterranean forest represents 50 per cent of the total area, and appears to be increasing its coverage in some areas [ ] 177 Revitalizing an important nature reserve The PA is located in the Mediterra- nean forests, woodland and scrub biome, one of WWF’s Global 200 priority biomes for conservation. The area is a natural reservoir of wild spe- cies, contributing to the conservation of many species from extinction and playing a major role in the ecological balance in the region as the largest reserve in the south. It is also part of Conservation International’s Global Biodiversity Hotspots in the Mediter- ranean Basin and falls within a global Centre of Plant Diversity. It has been designated nationally as an Impor- tant Bird Area. The reserve is dominated by Quer- cus calliprinus and coccifera shrub- land and other non-forest Mediterra- nean species. Large parts of the area were planted with introduced pines decades ago. While this was intended to help preserve the soil, it affected the local forest ecosystem and created an artificial environment not con- ducive to all autochthonous species. Native Mediterranean forest repre- sents 50 per cent of the total area, and appears to be increasing its coverage in some areas. While these areas are dispersed, they could be expanded with appropriate forest management. The Environment Quality Author- ity of Palestine has taken the first steps towards establishing a national system of protected areas as a method to conserve the wealth of biodiversity by preparing a management plan for the WAQ PA. The plan comprises an analysis and evaluation of the information collected, while the man- agement strategy defines the vision, management goals and objectives for PA management at the reserve, thereby setting the overall strategic framework. The long-term vision for WAQ is that it will be a well-managed, pro- tected area with healthy Mediterrane- an forest, shrub, and grassland areas that harbour rich flora and fauna with healthy populations of typical Mediterranean species. Palestinian and international visitors will visit, study and enjoy the reserve as a flag- ship example of Palestinian nature. Future conservation activities will be based on a work plan that consists of eight management programmes, and an investment and financial plan for the WAQ’s first five-year manage- ment cycle. Regeneration of the native species under the pinus trees Palestine W adi Al-Quff Nature Reserve (WAQ) is a state-owned reserve located in Hebron Governorate, covering about 250 ha, and is one of the oldest natural reserves in the West Bank. The protected area (PA) on the western escarpment of the Hebron hills is an important part of the hydrological system that replenishes the western aquifer. Local communities collect various types of plants for traditional medicine, as well as edible plants and mushrooms for general consumption. These activities have reduced dramatically over the last 15–20 years and livestock numbers have also declined. The WAQ PA has a key role to play in addressing these issues. Submitted by party