As part of technical follow-up on the Sub-grant Initiative projects, the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities (APLA) made a field visit to the joint project of the village councils of Iskaka, Yasouf, and Farkha. The project is part of ongoing efforts to enhance local planning tools and strengthen community resilience in Area C. In the presence of technical teams from the village councils, the project outputs were reviewed to ensure compliance with technical standards and the objectives set within the project framework.

In line with APLA’s approach to joint regional planning, this project embodies a practical model of cooperation among the three village councils to address intersecting challenges through unified solutions. The councils received a GPS system to accurately map and survey agricultural and zoning boundaries, enabling them to manage resources more efficiently, reduce land ownership disputes, and improve decision-making capacity based on factual data. Targeting the youth, the project provides focused training to use the GPS system with a view to promoting youth engagement in development and planning efforts. 

The project contributes to zoning agricultural areas, expanding green spaces, and developing land uses, positively impacting the local environment and economy. It reflects a successful model for integrated roles of local government units (LGUs) as part of a collective vision of cooperation, planning based on regional priorities, and smart resource management. It further enhances local governance and contributes to improving the quality of life in rural communities.

The project is part of the Sub-grant Initiative, managed by APLA with joint funding from the European Union and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The initiative seeks to empower LGUs in marginalized areas to implement effective and sustainable development interventions.