Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve and its importance to cultural heritage and ecotourism: A review and field study

Abstract

Palestine is the heart of ancient and modern civilizations. The density of historical and cultural resources in Palestine is unprecedented and exceptional. Along the Palestinian history, these resources have been subjected to various successive wars that resulted in their destruction. The cultural heritage of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve, which is a part of that culture, is still suffering from destruction and negligence as well. This study comes to recognize Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve and its importance for natural environment and cultural heritage represented by archeological sites lying in its area through literature and field visits. This will help the different parties to conserve and protect the ecology and heritage of the reserve. The study showed the importance of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve as a natural area harboring a unique wetland ecosystem in coastal Palestine and rich biodiversity, and representing a pathway for migratory birds. It also encompasses archeological sites of ancient civilizations represented by Tal as-Sakan, Tal es-Sanum, Tal al-Ajjul, Tal or Tour Ikhbina and Tal Umm-Amer, which are facing many anthropological threats. The study indicated that the current situation of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve is not promising for people, wildlife and cultural heritage. Accordingly, urgent interventions and cooperation among responsible parties are highly needed to conserve the ecology and the cultural heritage of the reserve in a sustainable fashion that attracts ecotourism.