Updating and enhancing the Protected Areas Network of Palestine: A step towards biodiversity conservation

The Protected Area Network (PAN) in Palestine has undergone a comprehensive evaluation and revision to ensure its effectiveness in conserving biodiversity. This re-evaluation was necessary as the previous PAN lacked clear rationale and included areas designated for non-biological reasons. The evaluation process involved analysing the 50 areas in the previous PAN, as well as conducting Marxan analysis and incorporating new data based on IUCN criteria. The evaluation process led to eliminating, combining and adjusting areas, resulting in a revised PAN consisting of 28 areas. This updated PAN represents all vegetation types and phytogeographical zones in Palestine, effectively protecting key ecoregions in the Mediterranean hotspot. The revision of the PAN has increased the total protected land mass from 9 per cent to 9.98 per cent. This expansion provides additional areas where biodiversity can thrive undisturbed, ensuring the long-term survival of species and ecosystems. The updated PAN was adopted at the highest level of government, signifying the importance and commitment to biodiversity conservation in Palestine. This achievement demonstrates the progress made by Palestine in safeguarding its natural heritage.