Dr. Raed Alkowni, lecturer of the Ecology course at An-Najah National University, organized a scientific trip to explore Palestine’s biodiversity, in collaboration with the Ecology Friends Association, represented by founding student members Adeen Dhafer, Ezz Eddin Awawdeh, Suhad Al-Rayan, Qasem Noah, and Mundher Al-Kharouf.
The students were accompanied by Dr. Walid Basha from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, a biodiversity activist, as well as Dr. Salwa Khalaf, Dr. Sami Yaeesh, Ms. Shurooq Ismail, Ms. Lubna Abdallah, and students from the Faculties of Science, Engineering, and Media, along with two paramedics from the Palestinian Red Crescent.
The trip began with a two-hour environmental hike in the Umm Al-Tut Nature Reserve, where students explored the area’s plant and animal life.
They then visited Canaan Fair Trade Company, where Dr. Nasser Abufarha introduced them to the company’s mission of promoting organic agriculture and environmentally friendly practices, including the processing of olive oil and other organic products for global markets.
The group also visited Hakourtna Farm in Tulkarm, where project coordinator Fayez Odeh Taneeb presented the farm’s activities in organic farming and alternative energy production.
On the way back, the group stopped at Al-Muntar Castle in the village of Bal’a to enjoy the scenic views overlooking the Palestinian coast.