Contracting party: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Funded By: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Partner Organization: N/A
Starting Date: 1st July 2025
Ending Date: 31 October 2025
Bethlehem Governorate is on the frontline of the climate crisis. In recent years, rising temperatures, declining rainfall, and a surge in wildfires have put communities, olive groves, and forests at risk. Since 2015, wildfire incidents have in-creased by 70%, while rainfall has dropped to less than half the annual average, leaving the land drier and more vulnerable than ever.
In response, the Applied Research Institute – Jerusalem (ARIJ), with support from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has launched a four-month project titled: “Rapid Response for Emergency Drought and Fire Protection in Bethlehem Governorate.” This community-based project brings urgent action while laying the foundation for long-term resilience.
Through a series of targeted interventions, the project will:
- Clear and safely remove 10 tons of dried vegetation from high-risk zones in Bethlehem, Beit Jala, and Beit Sahour.
- Mobilize and train 200 young volunteers in fire prevention, resilience, and community action.
- Deliver awareness workshops in schools, universities, and neighborhoods to build preparedness.
- Transform 70% of collected biomass into compost, supporting farmers, public gardens, and schools.
- Establish a multi-stakeholder emergency committee to coordinate long-term fire risk management.
By combining environmental protection with civic engagement and circular economy practices, this initiative directly reduces wildfire hazards, promotes sustainable resource use, and empowers communities to face climate challenges.
The project will directly benefit 300 participants and indirectly improve safety and resilience for over 66,000 residents, creating a greener, safer, and more climate-resilient Bethlehem.