In harmony with its strategic objectives to provide integrated, sustainable and inclusive services, and as part of its Strategy for the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals, the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) organized a virtual workshop for the Engineering and Planning Hub, entitled Better Planning and Beautification of Palestinian Cities. The session brought together a select number of heads and staff members of planning and engineering departments at 18 local government units.

Shurouq Rabee’, APLA Activity Coordinator, explained that, in line with sustainable urban planning standards, the workshop aimed at providing practical guidance to select trees and plants suitable to the local environment, promote sustainable irrigation practices, and avoid visual distortions caused improper choices.

The workshop highlighted the importance of the sustainable planning of green spaces in Palestinian cities. Eng. Raed Ya’ish, Chair of the Parks and City Beautification Department at Nablus Municipality, stressed the need to choose plants species appropriate to each location. To ensure sustainability and beauty, attention should be paid to environmental and climate factors. Ya’ish indicated that many municipalities were impaired by planning and design challenges, negatively impacting city landscape.

Ya’ish reviewed a wide range of topics, including the selection of trees suited to the climate and soil in Palestine, while focusing on local species that require less maintenance and conserve biodiversity. He also discussed the importance of inclusive urban planning, which draws a link between green spaces, infrastructure and public services, to create more sustainable cities.

The workshop was part of the Municipal Technical Exchange Hubs program, implemented in partnership with the GIZ Local Governance Reform Programme. It includes five hubs, namely, Engineering and Planning Hub, Financial Management Hub, Public Relations Hub, Village Councils Hub, and Creativity and Innovation Hub.