Dr. Yara Dahdal
Director of the Applied Center for Environmental Studies
Applied Center for Environmental Studies
Bridging environmental knowledge with practical application
The Applied Center for Environmental Studies at Nature Palestine Society serves as a national platform for bridging environmental knowledge with practical application, with a strong focus on workforce development, community resilience, and locally grounded solutions. Established to respond to the growing need for qualified environmental practitioners in Palestine, the Center operates within a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) framework accredited by the Ministry of Labour. It provides structured, competency-based learning pathways that combine scientific knowledge, field-based experience, and professional skills aligned with emerging green sector demands.
Diploma in Applied Environmental Studies
The Center’s flagship offering is the Diploma in Applied Environmental Studies, an intensive programme designed for young graduates seeking to enter or transition into the environmental sector. The diploma adopts a holistic approach, integrating core environmental topics such as biodiversity conservation, climate change, sustainable resource management, and waste management with practical training, life skills development, and workplace exposure. The programme is delivered through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on fieldwork, and a supervised internship with partner institutions, ensuring that participants gain both technical competencies and real-world experience.
Experiential learning and problem-solving
A distinguishing feature of the diploma is its emphasis on experiential learning and problem-solving. Participants engage in field assessments, environmental monitoring, and community-based initiatives, while also developing transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and project design. The programme further supports participants in translating knowledge into practice through the development of environmental initiatives and innovative solutions tailored to local challenges, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Strategic partnerships
Through strategic partnerships with governmental bodies, civil society organizations, and private sector actors, the Center ensures that training remains relevant to national priorities and labor market needs. It also contributes to strengthening Palestine’s environmental governance landscape by preparing a new generation of practitioners equipped to support conservation efforts, climate adaptation, and sustainable development.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, the Applied Center for Environmental Studies aims to expand its accredited diploma offerings to include specialized tracks in areas such as eco-tourism, environmental journalism, and climate-smart agriculture. By doing so, it seeks to further institutionalize applied environmental education in Palestine and create accessible pathways to green livelihoods, while reinforcing the role of youth as key agents of environmental change.
Center leadership