In the Environment sector, UNDP/PAPP works with the Palestinian government to protect the environment and to sustainably manage natural resources. UNDP also mainstreams and promotes climate change adaptation and mitigation to respond to the potentially increasing scarcity of natural resources and manage climate change associated risks.

Challenges

The Palestinian people experience a continuous depletion of natural resources as a result of the occupation. Water supply and sanitation services in the oPt are characterized by severe shortage. Furthermore, solid waste is mismanaged, all while wastewater is insufficiently and inadequately collected, treated and discharged. The lack of control by Palestinian government over most of its natural resources, including water, land (Area C) and mineral resources considerably restrain the ability of the government to design and plan for sound responses to environmental challenges. Thus, the water sector is one of the highest priority areas listed in Palestinian national plans.more