Project Overview
This project supports the Environment Quality Authority (EQA) in fulfilling Palestine’s national reporting obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) through the preparation of the Seventh National Report (2021–2025). Implemented within the framework of the European Union-funded Water and Environment Support Program, the project aims to strengthen national biodiversity governance, improve data availability and coordination, and ensure alignment with global biodiversity frameworks, including the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and relevant Sustainable Development Goals.
Key Information
- Funded by
- European Union
- Duration
- 6 months
- Location
- Palestine (national level)
- Partners
- Environment Quality Authority (EQA)
- Direct beneficiaries
- Governmental and national institutions, decision-makers and stakeholders engaged in biodiversity reporting
- Implementation period
- September 2024 – March 2025
Objectives
To support the Environment Quality Authority in preparing a comprehensive, evidence-based Seventh National Report to the CBD by strengthening data collection, coordination mechanisms, and technical reporting capacities.
Key Activities
The project included a national-level gap assessment to identify available biodiversity data, key limitations, review the implementation and effectiveness of the Palestinian National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), Assessing the Status and Trends of Biodiversity, tracking progress toward Global Biodiversity Goals, identifying challenges and capacity needs, and priority areas for technical support. It facilitated structured coordination and information exchange among national focal points and relevant stakeholders, including governmental institutions, academic bodies, and civil society organizations. Technical assistance was provided to compile, analyze, and validate data, and to draft the report in accordance with CBD reporting guidelines and international standards.
Results and Impact
The preparation of the Seventh National Report has provided an updated and comprehensive assessment of the status and trends of biodiversity in the State of Palestine, including key ecosystems, species, and genetic resources. The report has evaluated national progress toward the targets of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and reviewed the implementation of national biodiversity strategies and policies. It has also identified the main pressures and threats affecting biodiversity, highlighted existing institutional and capacity gaps, and outlined priority actions for strengthening biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Furthermore, the report has contributed to improving coordination among national stakeholders and to the global knowledge base under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Strategic Contribution
This project contributes to strengthening Palestine’s environmental governance and its compliance with international environmental agreements. It supports the integration of biodiversity considerations into national planning processes and enhances Palestine’s contribution to global biodiversity monitoring and reporting. The initiative also reinforces institutional collaboration and data-sharing mechanisms, which are essential for long-term environmental policy development.