FEATURED CONSERVATION PROJECT
In Situ Protection of Endangered Plant Species in Siris
A field-based conservation initiative integrating ecological restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and community engagement to protect endangered plant species and strengthen ecosystem resilience.
Project Overview
This project implements a community-based in situ conservation approach to protect endangered plant species and support native bird reproduction within Siris Key Biodiversity Area.
Through habitat protection, ecological restoration, biodiversity monitoring, and community engagement, the project addresses key environmental threats while contributing to national biodiversity conservation priorities.
PROJECT DETAILS
Key Project Information
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Location
Siris KBA, Jenin Governorate, Palestine
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Duration
18 months
Nov 2025 – Apr 2027
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Budget
USD 40,000
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Lead Institution
An-Najah National University
ENVIRONMENTAL PRESSURES
Conservation Challenge
Siris Key Biodiversity Area faces increasing environmental pressures that threaten native ecosystems, biodiversity, and habitat stability.
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Agricultural Expansion
Conversion of natural habitats into farmland threatens native plant communities.
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Overgrazing
Uncontrolled grazing prevents natural regeneration and contributes to soil degradation.
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Habitat Fragmentation
Urban and infrastructure expansion reduce ecological connectivity.
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Climate Stress
Drought and rising temperatures increase pressure on Mediterranean ecosystems.
Project Objectives
🌿 Secure and manage two dunums of critical habitat.
🌿 Restore native vegetation and improve ecosystem health.
🌿 Support native bird reproduction through nesting structures.
🌿Strengthen local community awareness and participation.
🌿Generate monitoring data to support biodiversity planning.
How We Work
✔Habitat Restoration: Restore native vegetation through ecological rehabilitation and enrichment planting.
✔Bird Nesting Support: Install artificial nesting structures to support native bird reproduction.
✔Biodiversity Monitoring: Collect baseline and follow-up data on plant and bird populations.
✔Community Engagement:Deliver training workshops, awareness materials, and community meetings.
Expected Results & Impact
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Dunums Protected
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%
Vegetation Recovery
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Nesting Structures Installed
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Monitoring Reports
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Participants Trained
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Workshops Delivered
Our Partners & Stakeholders
An-Najah National University
Lead applicant, scientific oversight, project management, and biodiversity monitoring.
Siris Village Council
Local coordination, access facilitation, community mobilization, and site management support.
BirdLife International / CEPF
Funding, guidance, and oversight through the CEPF Small Grants framework.
Local Community Members
Participation in awareness activities, training workshops, and site stewardship.
Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture
Technical advice on native plant restoration and alignment with national biodiversity priorities.
Project Timeline
Phase 1 Months 1–3
Site Survey & Baseline Assessment
Phase 2 Months 4–6
Fencing installation, signage, awareness materials, and first training workshop.
Phase 3 Months 7–9
Habitat restoration, native plant enrichment, and nesting box preparation.
Phase 4 Months 10–12
Nesting box installation, follow-up monitoring, and second workshop.
Phase 5 Months 13–18
Final monitoring, third workshop, documentation, and replication recommendations.
Research Contribution
This project contributes to biodiversity research by generating field-based data on threatened plant species, habitat conditions, vegetation recovery, and native bird reproduction.
The findings support conservation planning, national biodiversity priorities, and future updates to biodiversity monitoring systems.
Collaborate in Environmental Research
Be part of impactful environmental research and conservation initiatives.
We welcome researchers, institutions, and partners to collaborate on field-based projects that protect biodiversity, support sustainable development, and create real ecological impact.