Sustainability and Environment

Climate Change and Extremes:

Reconstruction in Gaza must account for the region’s arid climate and ongoing environmental challenges, which will worsen living conditions and livelihood prospects. Addressing these issues is crucial for overcoming destruction, poverty, and distrust,

and for fostering a sustainable and resilient future. Climate change, particularly its effects on health through changing incidences of disease and exposure to debilitating and potentially fatal heat exposure, must be integrated into reconstruction processes. Socially, economically and physiologically vulnerable groups and individuals (the elderly, infants and under-fives, and those with cardio-vascular and other underlying health conditions) are most at risk. The One Health approach balancing the health of people, animals, and ecosystems, is

vital for this integration.

The Gaza Bioregion:

A bioregional approach to Gaza requires geographical and ecological analysis, incorporating

both experts and local inhabitants to redefine territorial boundaries collaboratively. A bioregion does not have distinct frontiers—these are blurred as neighbouring regions merge into each other, and indeed these areas of overlap are themselves of great interest. The term “Gaza Strip” has historically isolated Gaza, removing it from its natural territorial context. The geopolitical strife resulting from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, alongside the legacy of the 1948 war and the creation of the “Otef” (a cordon of Israeli settlements along Gaza’s border), underscores the need for a new, inclusive narrative—one that fosters long-term coexistence through a shared cross-border bioregion. This vision would integrate Gaza with neighbouring territories in a larger bioregional context, where geographical and ecological links offer a pathway to peace and shared prosperity.

Health and Wellbeing:

Decisions made in the rebuilding process in every sector, from urban planning and housing to transportation and water sanitation, have essential impacts on human health. The “Health in All Policies” (HiAP) framework, adopted by the WHO, should guide decision-making across sectors to ensure that health, mental health and well-being are prioritized in all aspects of reconstruction.

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