Mazin QumsiyehMountain Gazelle

I stand beside the mountain gazelle—a graceful and endangered species that still finds refuge in the hills near Bethlehem. For me, it is more than a symbol of Palestine’s biodiversity; it’s a reminder of resilience, balance, and the urgent responsibility we have to protect our natural world.

As a scientist, educator, and conservationist, I’ve spent my life working to safeguard this land’s natural and cultural heritage. In 2014, I founded the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability and its sister institution, the Palestine Museum of Natural History at Bethlehem University. Our mission is rooted in research, education, and conservation—serving both people and the environment.

Over the years, we’ve worked with local communities, students, and partners to restore habitats, protect species, and inspire a culture of sustainability. We led the development of Palestine’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, as well as the national network of protected areas. One of our focused efforts has been in Wadi Al-Makhrour—a unique ecosystem that is home to the mountain gazelle. There, we developed a Biodiversity Conservation Plan that not only seeks to preserve the habitat but also to support local livelihoods through sustainable practices.

I stand beside the mountain gazelle because it embodies the delicate balance of life in this land. Preserving that balance requires both science and compassion, and a deep understanding that our well-being is tied to the health of the ecosystems around us.