Consultancy Services for Zoning and Permaculture Design in Wadi Gaza

Project Description

Wadi Gaza, a significant coastal wetland in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin, was rich in biodiversity and served as a key stopover for migratory birds. It was the largest wetland in Gaza and Palestine, with potential as a recreational area due to its unique landscape. In 2006, it was declared a nature reserve by the Palestinian government to conserve its ecosystem and resources. Home to 154 terrestrial vertebrate species, particularly birds, and 70 plant species, Wadi Gaza faced habitat loss and fragmentation due to urbanization, pollution, and human activities. It was nominated as a World Heritage site

The project included screening Wadi Gaza for the potential areas and zones for greening, as well, optimizing the types of planting keeping in mind both the natural recovery of the area and the recreation of a landscape in line with the characteristic of the site and the Gaza area, and considering the climate condition of Gaza area. Greening was used to create and support viable natural habitat while framing dramatic viewpoints.

The main objectives of this assignment were:

Zoning the potential areas for planting along the Wadi Gaza, taking into consideration two scenarios the current natural borders of Wadi Gaza, and the official borders of Wadi Gaza as planned by the Governmental Authorities.

Provide permaculture design which achieved the optimized selection of the plants and trees for the identified zones along the Wadi Gaza, and its specifications and requirements.

The work included field surveying, aerial photogrammetry, preparation of designs, tender documents, management plan, communication and awareness plan and the supervision of the implementation works.