Palestine Museum of Natural History

Celebrating 10 Years

The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS) and the Palestine Museum of Natural History (PMNH) were established April 19, 2014 to research, educate, and conserve Palestine’s natural world, culture, and heritage.

PIBS was founded by Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh and Jessie Chang Qumsiyeh with the support of Bethlehem University. The PMNH was later opened in 2017, the Ethnography Exhibit in 2019, and the Biodiversity Center in 2021.

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Educational Activities

Six activities tailored to children’s groups, raising awareness, and empowering youth. Introduction of interactive educational modules, like an environmental “snakes & ladders” game.

Mobile Education

A mobile museum, funded by the EU, bringing education to marginalized communities. Launched on May 10, 2022, promoting accessibility to education. Visited 14 schools in Bethlehem and Hebron governorates in 2022, planning to visit 33 more in 2023.

Conservation and Research

Continuous work in expanding knowledge and research, with fieldwork throughout Palestine. Focus on invertebrate and vertebrate fauna, flora, and molecular work. Expanding the herbarium and engagement in the Alliance of Nature Positive Universities.

Community Garden

Supports up to 30 individual plots, promoting food sovereignty. Uses organic produce from the Botanical Garden and other sources for events

Wildlife Rehabilitation

Successful rehabilitation and release of various native animals, including kestrels, badgers, hyenas, and bats.

Community Engagement

Completion of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for Palestine. Creation of a Protected Area Network (PAN) for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Engagement in awareness education, mainstreaming, and public outreach