The paper at hand summarizes the findings of a pilot research project attempting to develop policy tools and choices to implement the national urban and environmental policies at the local or municipal level through the integration of sustainable development concepts and public participation approaches. The project deals with the interaction between population, urban development, and the environment. Special emphasis is given to demographic factors, land use, and the urban environment at the main municipalities in Bethlehem Governorate, in the Occupied Palestinian territory.
Questioning the sustainability of the target area was complementarily approached from two angles. On the one hand, the analysis of the role of the targeted municipalities and the problems they face, and on the other hand, an investigation of the citizens' perceptions of these same municipalities. As a result, the project team was able to define the social, economical, environmental, and political aspects of the main factors that are hampering the adhesion of sustainable development in the targeted area. However, a series of recommendations regarding alternative policies and tools towards sustainable development in the target area were prioritized and coordinated in a participatory approach that encompassed the decision makers, stakeholders, and the general public.

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