Environmental Education Center

Celebrating the Environment; Responding to Climate Change

Bethlehem – The Environmental Education Center (EEC) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) launched its Tenth Annual Palestinian Awareness and Education Conference Green Life Practices, Models, and Climate Change and Jerusalem–Capital of Arab Environment 2019 with the blessings of ELCJHL Bishop Sani Ibrahim Azar.

The conference was particularly important this year because it launched on the eve of the declaration of the City of Nativity as the Capital of Arab Culture in 2020. It also comes shortly after the conclusion of the 14th National Week of Bird Ringing and Monitoring, the initiative that was created because of the conference and then became a seasonal tradition in partnership with the Palestinian Environmental Quality Authority.

“Everyone should make time for the environment each day.” Photo by EEC

The conference began with an opening ceremony attended by hundreds of guests. Bishop Azar opened the conference with a few words expressing his gratitude for the EEC’s work and the launching of his new initiative “Green Hour,” encouraging everyone to make time for the environment each day.

“All organizations, schools and community entities must work together in facing these environmental challenges.” Photo by EEC

Governor of Bethlehem Kamel Hamid, emphasized the importance of the work of EEC that continues to be in Palestinian society, as well as how great the environmental challenges are facing Bethlehem.

“This initiative and passion, of the EEC is very admirable and inspirational in facing environmental issues.” Photo by EEC

Head of the Environmental Quality Authority (EQA) Adala al Attireh shared a moving story about how she was surprised to learn, upon taking her position at the EQA, that the EEC was incorporated before the EQA existed.

“I am excited for the ability to bring all of these different people together in the spirit of caring for our shared environment.” Photo by EEC

Finally, EEC Executive Director Simon Awad welcomed all to the conference and shared his gratitude for the platform these conferences provide in discussing environmental topics. A few topics included in the discussions were solid waste challenges, recycling in refugee camps, land degradation, climate change and more.

A performance by the Evangelical Lutheran Talitha Kumi School choir. Photo by EEC

Performance of the Palestinian National Anthem by the Shepard Scouts. Photo by EEC

A group of experts, officials and academics in the Preparatory and Scientific Committees presented papers after the opening ceremony and on day two of the conference.

Summaries of the papers were available to participants.

Maddi Froiland from the EEC contributed to the story. ELCJHL edited.