Every year on April, Earth Day brings the world together to reflect on our responsibility toward the planet. In Palestine, however, this day is not just about protecting the Earth—it’s about resisting environmental destruction under Israeli military occupation. Settler violence, land grabs, and the uprooting of olive trees continue to devastate Palestinian landscapes and livelihoods.
In 2024 alone, over 24,000 dunums of West Bank land were stolen by Israeli occupation, paving the way for more settlements. More than 52,000 trees—many of them ancient olive trees—have been destroyed since October. This ecological damage is not accidental; it’s part of a broader effort to sever Palestinians from their land and heritage.
Yet amid this destruction, Palestinian social enterprises are leading powerful environmental initiatives rooted in care, creativity, and community. This Earth Month, we spotlight the inspiring work of Palestinian entrepreneurs and activists defending the land and building sustainable futures:
1. Seddeh – Fashion for the Planet
Founded by Mohammad Nejmeddin, Seddeh promotes second-hand, pre-loved clothing to fight fast fashion waste. By encouraging circular fashion, Seddeh reduces environmental harm while offering affordable, eco-friendly style—proving that sustainability and creativity go hand in hand.
2. Blue Stone – Recycling Waste into Beauty
Rawan Rajab’s Blue Stone transforms broken glass and construction waste into decorative stones. It pioneers recycling in Palestine, reducing landfill pressure and creating green jobs while turning everyday waste into valuable, artistic products.
3. Zero Waste Palestine – Changing Culture, One Habit at a Time
Led by Najla Abdellatif, this youth initiative spreads environmental awareness through workshops and social media. It promotes reusable products, composting, and waste reduction—building a culture of sustainability despite daily challenges under occupation.
4. Flowless – Sustainable Water Solutions
Flowless helps farmers and utilities reduce water loss, save energy, and optimize operations. Their smart technology supports climate resilience by ensuring vital water resources are preserved for future generations.
5. Rawajeeh Al Saen
This initiative connects Bedouin dairy producers in Arab Al-Jahalin with markets, focusing on marketing, packaging, and quality. It helps preserve Bedouin livelihoods and traditions while resisting displacement and highlighting the richness of their cultural heritage.
6. Nabat Eco Farm
Located in Tamra, Nabat Eco Farm is a permaculture education hub promoting a return to nature. It empowers communities to embrace sustainable farming practices while reconnecting with the land through alternative education.
7. Om Sleiman Farm
An eco-farm blending economic, social, and ecological practices. It stands as a symbol of resistance and imagination, cultivating both food and community resilience on lands threatened by occupation.
8. Sakiya – A Progressive Academy
Sakiya merges local farming traditions with contemporary art and ecological practices. It creates a unique space where farmers, artists, and scholars collaborate to revive self-sufficiency and challenge cultural and environmental divides.
9. Arab Group for the Protection of Nature (APN)
APN empowers Arab communities, especially under occupation, to reclaim natural resources and food sovereignty. Their work in Gaza restores agriculture as a lifeline, ensuring food security amidst war and siege.
10. Bayan Eco-Farm
Bayan Eco-Farm nurtures soil health through chemical-free, sustainable farming. They restore fertility to the land while producing clean, toxin-free vegetables—proving that caring for the earth feeds both people and nature.
11. Dalia Association – Community-Led Sustainability
Dalia supports Palestinian communities with grants, training, and initiatives promoting food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture. By empowering local resource control, Dalia fosters long-term resilience and self-sufficiency despite ongoing restrictions..
These social enterprises are more than businesses—they are guardians of the land, advocates for sustainability, and builders of hope. On Earth’s month 2025, let’s uplift their work and invest in a greener, freer Palestine.