GHLands : Bethlehem-The Environmental Education Center of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land launched the 27th National Bird Monitoring and Ringing Week.
The week is being held under the patronage of the head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Bishop Dr. Imad Haddad, in partnership with the Environment Quality Authority and with the participation of schools, students, and individuals interested in the environment and biodiversity.
Bishop Haddad emphasized the importance of the Center as an integral part of the Lutheran Church and highlighted its role in caring for creation.
He also stressed the significance of working with students and schools and encouraging environmentally friendly practices.
Talib Hamid, Director of the Environment Quality Authority’s Bethlehem office, praised the partnership between the Authority and the Environmental Education Center. He noted that this cooperation has resulted in 27 consecutive bird weeks, in addition to fruitful collaboration through conferences and environmental awareness activities.
Hamid highlighted the Center’s specialized work in bird monitoring, ringing, and rehabilitation. He also referred to cooperation with the Center in preparing a list of threatened bird species in Palestine.
Simon Awad, Executive Director of the Environmental Education Center, said the Center has been conveying the Church’s message for 40 years while dedicating its efforts to protecting biodiversity.
He explained that the bird weeks have developed into an annual educational tradition that conveys important national, environmental, and educational messages.
The launch was attended by Environment Quality Authority representative Inas Halaika; Educational Director Eva Azar; school principals, teachers, and students; Dar al-Kalima Director Reverend Anton Nassar; teacher Sandra Awad; Beit Sahour Lutheran School Principal Shireen Awad and her deputy, Rogees Qumsieh; and Talitha Kumi teacher Hanna Farhoud.
The event included a presentation about Palestinian birds, the importance of monitoring and ringing them, and the Environmental Education Center’s work in this field.
Participants were given an opportunity to observe the bird-ringing process closely and learn about its environmental importance, as well as the value of studying and tracking bird movements.
A field tour was also conducted in the botanical garden. During the tour, Simon Awad; Michel Farhoud, a researcher specializing in bird monitoring and ringing; and educational guide Layan Wahhab provided information about Palestine’s birds and biodiversity.
Participants learned about the species and classifications of Palestinian birds, as well as the botanical garden’s native plants and trees.
The week aims to raise awareness of the importance of birds and their role in ecosystems, encourage students and members of the community to observe and protect them, and promote greater understanding of Palestine’s biodiversity, particularly during migration seasons when large numbers of birds pass through the region.
The Environmental Education Center will continue organizing the week’s activities in cooperation with schools and relevant institutions. The program will include environmental tours and educational field activities that allow participants to observe birds and learn about their species and behavior, alongside awareness sessions focusing on the protection of nature and biodiversity.
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