National Invasive Alien Species Strategy and Action Plan

Project Overview

This project supported the development of the first National Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Strategy and Action Plan for the State of Palestine. Invasive alien species represent one of the most significant global threats to biodiversity, ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. The initiative aimed to establish a national framework to prevent, detect, and manage invasive species through coordinated policies, scientific research, and institutional collaboration. The strategy provides a structured roadmap for addressing IAS threats and strengthening national capacities for biodiversity protection.

Objectives

To develop a comprehensive national strategy and action plan for preventing, monitoring, and managing invasive alien species in Palestine while strengthening coordination among relevant institutions and stakeholders.

Key Activities

The project was initiated with the first national survey assessing the presence, distribution, and status of invasive alien species in Palestine. The results of this assessment formed the basis for the development of the national strategy and its action framework. Stakeholder consultations were conducted through a structured questionnaire targeting governmental institutions, academic experts, and civil society organizations. Furthermore, three national consultation workshops were convened to review the findings and validate the strategic framework. The strategy was developed in alignment with relevant international conventions and environmental agreements to which Palestine is a signatory.

Results and Impact

The project resulted in the development and launch of Palestine’s first National Invasive Alien Species Strategy and Action Plan. The strategy established three thematic areas, baseline and

monitoring, management, and institutional coordination, and defined eight strategic objectives with 25 priority actions to be implemented across short-, medium-, and long-term timelines (2022–2030). The strategy provides a national framework to guide future research, policy development, monitoring systems, and management interventions related to invasive species.

Strategic Contribution

The National IAS Strategy and Action Plan represent a major milestone in strengthening biodiversity governance in Palestine. By establishing a coordinated national framework for addressing invasive species threats, the strategy supports the protection of ecosystems, agricultural systems, and public health. It aligns national efforts with international biodiversity commitments, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, and provides a foundation for long-term institutional collaboration and policy development in invasive species management.