On the benefits provided by the wetland ecosystem of Wadi Gaza – Gaza Strip

Abstract

The wetland ecosystem of Wadi Gaza in the Gaza Strip faces subsequent destruction threatening its ecological integrity and sustainability. This study comes to survey the various benefits provided by the wetland ecosystem of Wadi Gaza, which in turn may promote raising environmental awareness of all stakeholders towards the conservation and sustainable use of the system. The wetland ecosystem of Wadi Gaza plays as a refuge for wildlife species including many threatened ones, and hence wildlife hunting is practiced using different hunting tools. Bedouin families residing Wadi Gaza usually practice food collection, herbal medicine and grazing of their livestock on natural vegetation. The production of baskets, carpets, kites, food dishes, chairs and huts along with wood and timber exploitation are direct uses of reeds and woody plants in Wadi Gaza. The system has a storage potential of more than 100,000 m3 of surface water that could be considered as convenient water resource for agricultural uses. It has the potential to partially treat large quantities of wastewater. It reduces the impacts of flood to neighboring agricultural lands and human dwellings. It could act as a recreational facility. It represents a natural laboratory enhancing scientific research in different disciplines. Small scale extraction of sand, stones and gravel from the Wadi bed was documented as well. Finally, this survey may represent a good tool to promote more respect and to enhance public awareness towards conserving the wetland ecosystem of Wadi Gaza and its environmental resources.