37. Applied Research Institute Jerusalem. The Status of the Environment in the West Bank. Jerusalem: ARIJ, 1997, 316 pp.

This is the final report of the West Bank Environmental Information System project ARIJ executed with a grant from the Austrian Department for Development Cooperation. The first chapter in the book provides an interesting overview of the history of Palestine, from the beginning of civilization until the current moment. Chapter two reviews the current population and socio-economic situation in the West Bank, and chapter three focuses on main components of the Palestinian economy, specifically since 1967. Chapters four through seven preview the topography, geology, soils and the climate of Palestine respectively, imperative to environmental assessment and the planning of development projects. Water availability is one of the most important and sensitive issues facing the West Bank region; chapter eight of the report reviews the water resources available and the political issues surrounding access to them. Chapter nine deals with bio-diversity in the West Bank. In chapters ten and eleven, the report assesses the status of land use and agricultural practices which are in part determined by natural conditions and environmental factors, not to mention the political conflict plaguing the region. Most of the recommendations made in the twelfth chapter in the report on population deal with waste and wastewater management. The last chapter in the report deals with crucial urbanization problems such as how to deal with industry, energy and transportation. Since advancements in the peace process between Palestinians and Israelis are expected to lead to an industrialization process, an emphasis needs to be placed on sustainable development principles as well as on environmental regulations. The report concludes with two chapters on an overall assessment of the West Bank environmental state and recommendations.