"Challenging colonization: Building sustainable human and natural communities in Palestine Radical
Ecological Democracy website. two part series on emerging "alternatives" in Palestineby Prof. Mazin Qumsiyeh environmental conservation in a landscape battered by colonization.
Having people grow food and herbs literally in their backyards empowers them, and increases their incomes and food security. The project also improves both physical (through better and more organic nutrition) and psychological (through gardening and fresh air and plants) wellbeing of marginalized communities, especially in the difficult circumstances of occupation and marginalization. Increased vegetation cover while recycling nutrients via composting also reduces the effects of global warming (mitigation and adaptation for sustainability). The social networking on the Internet also allows us to get almost immediate support from colleagues and activists across continents. The collective work made our 14 dunum (2) garden, buildings, facilities and most importantly motivated and empowered PEOPLE, an oasis of hope in the middle of the mayhem created by colonization and repression.