The Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) carried out a site tour to follow up on the progress of projects, implemented in the context of the Sub-grants Initiative for the so-called Area C and funded by the European Union and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). This was part of a series of field visits undertaken by APLA to ensure work flow in line with set plans as well as quality outputs of implemented projects.
In Ein Arik, the tour involved a visit to the construction site of the spring water collection well, implemented in partnership between the Ein Arik Village Council and Agricultural Cooperative Society. Directly impacting the local agriculture sector, this vital project aims to secure a sustained water source, improve crops both qualitatively and quantitatively, promote diversified agricultural production, and reduce reliance on external sources. While promoting agriculture as a key pillar of economic development in the area, the project contributes to achieving self-sufficiency, increasing farmers’ income, and creating new job opportunities for the village residents with a view to addressing economic challenges and strengthening citizens’ resilience on their land.
APLA also visited the “Increasing Tourist Influx to the Ein Salman Archaeological Site,” a project run by the Beit Duqqu Village Council. Through this project, the village council intends to preserve and turn archaeological sites into tourist destinations that attract visitors from across the region and promote socioeconomic development. The project is part of APLA’s broader strategy, which seeks to maximize the potential of tourism and heritage in rural areas, enhance sustainable development, maintain cultural heritage, raise awareness of the importance of historic sites, and support local economy.
Of note, APLA is implementing 13 projects with village councils, which received grants in the context of the first phase of the Sub-grants Initiative. In the same vein, APLA launched the second phase of the initiative over the past months. Sub-grants are designed to support development initiatives implemented by village councils to provide socioeconomic development of local communities, including projects that create job opportunities or generate income for families in communities throughout he so-called Area C.
