Newsletter - the first quarter of 2020

What is the relationship between coronavirus and our food policies? Research by APN investigates the roots of such viruses

The research stresses the need to strengthen local economies and expand local, sustainable agriculture. It calls for a rethinking of the inequalities in our cities and for further support for rural areas. The report also looks ahead to the increased viral risks posed by climate change, giving us another set of reasons to limit ecologically exploitive industry. 

On the anniversary of Land Day, APN launches two projects on the banks of the Jordan River

The first will grow hundreds of dunams of vegetables to benefit small farmers in the Jordan Valley. The second will support home gardens in occupied Jerusalem confirming the right of generations of Palestinians to return to their land in loyalty to those who planted and watered it with their blood.

The Arab Network for Food Sovereignty issues a statement on the coronavirus crisis

The statement called for the support necessary for the recovery of local markets and for small producers’ access to those markets. It called for establishing a regional information bank for food sovereignty, local and regional seed banks and the conservation of plant genomes. The statement also warned against politicizing food aid and weaponizing it against peoples.

APN is publishing a series on establishing home gardens, due to their effectiveness during the coronavirus.

The Arab Group for the Protection of Nature will broadcast a series of social media videos on how to establish a home garden; the most important tools for its success; tips on crop varieties and appropriate cultivation dates; the proper ways to tend and water your garden, and general thoughts on the importance of these gardens.

APN Starts the Third "Plant Your Resilience” Campaign in Jerusalem

APN began the third iteration of the Plant Your Resilience Campaign within the Million Tree Campaign (MTC) in light of American and Israeli efforts to eliminate the Palestinian issue under the so-called "Deal of the Century.” Al-Nahda Rural Society has partnered with APN to plant 22,000 trees and construct water wells in villages northwest of Jerusalem.

APN Stands in Solidarity with Jordan Valley Farmers Affected by the Storm and will Replant Damaged Trees

APN hopes the disaster that befell the farmers and wide swaths of farmland triggers a large response. APN stressed its readiness to participate in the replanting of fruit trees affected by the storm, while prioritizing small farmers.

APN held the first meeting for the project “Arab Tree Path” alongside Arab League Representatives

The meeting was held in the Jordanian capital of Amman on January 14, 2020, with the presence of representatives from regional and international organizations working in the fields of sustainable development and the advancement of the agricultural sector, along with representatives from the Arab League’s Sub-committee for the Eradication of Hunger.The project aims to support the resilience of vulnerable communities, increase food security, reduce the impacts of climate change, fight desertification and preserve biodiversity.

The People's Coalition on Food Sovereignty (PCFS) makes 9 demands during the coronavirus pandemic

At the meeting chaired by Razan Zuayter, President of the Arab Network for Food Sovereignty and APN General Coordinator, participants agreed on nine basic demands, including securing the universal right to food and the prioritization and encouragement of local food production. The coalition also called for global recognition of the importance of agricultural producers, including workers, and their increased access to agricultural inputs.

“My Land, My Indentity” Project Starts to Plant 24000 Trees

As part of the Arab Group for the Protection of Nature’s One Million Tree Campaign in Palestine, “My Land, My Identity” will plant more than 24,000 fruit trees in the Palestinian territories threatened with continuous Israeli violations and expropriation. 

As COVID-19 crisis rages, 119 groups from 30 countries push urgent demands for rural peoples

The demands include the need to provide social protection and economic relief to rural peoples, facilitate their access to productive resources and protect them from displacement.

APN plants 1000 trees in Al-Dhlail with the support of Tamam

With the support of Tamam International Poultry Company, the Arab Group for the Protection of Nature were able to plant a total of 1000 fruit trees in Al-Dhlail, northeast of Zarqa Governorate.

“Toastmasters” Plants 250 Trees in Salt in Cooperation with the Balqa Creativity Institute

On February 15, 2019, APN planted 250 citrus trees with financial support and participation from the women’s group, Al Fanar Toastmasters Club of Jordan (for public speaking), and help from the Balqa Creativity Institute. Around 40 Al Fanar volunteers planted the trees on the land of a farmer in the Subaihi area of Salt Governate. The activity was part of the Green Caravan Program.

Sheep Bank: An Innovative Project Providing Sustainable Livelihoods in the Villages of Jerusalem

APN has set up a project called "Sheep Bank" in two villages southwest of Jerusalem, Wadi Fukin and Al Walaja, to provide income for Palestinian families, in light of the great demand for sheep meat and wool. “Sheep Bank” will operate in partnership with the Bethlehem Farmers’ Union and with support from the Mashruq Foundation.

Zuayter: The coronavirus crisis has revealed the moral deterioration of Western capitalism

Razan Zuayter described what she referred to as “corona's volcano,” which has revealed the deterioration and absence of values in many countries, particularly Western capitalist countries. She pointed to the practice of striving for so-called "herd immunity”, a policy that some European countries tried to apply in an inhumane way through prioritizing the welfare of the economy over human lives, neglecting the elderly and their right to access health care.

Two Hundred Trees Cultivated in Madaba with APN Partners

On February 14, 2020, APN planted 200 trees in the Faiha'a area of the Madaba Governate with the support of the Al Majid Association - Al Tahboub and help from the Madaba Women Association. About 50 members of the Tahboub family participated in planting citrus, almond, olive and grape trees.  

APN Prepares to Submit a Regional Study on Land and Conflict

Through its partnership with UN-HABITAT, APN looks forward to analyzing the relationship between land and conflict in the Arab region and showcasing its results at the local and regional levels. APN will meet with relevant experts, conduct interviews with various parties affected by the topic, and seek to expand the network of participants in the study. APN hopes its studies will lead to recommendations that help resolve conflicts and prevent future occurrences.

APN Prepares to Plant 12,000 Trees in the Villages of Hebron

APN signed a memorandum of understanding with the Bethlehem Farmers’ Union to implement the third phase of the “Hebron Trees" project which aims to plant 12000 trees in villages northwest of Hebron.

APN Holds an “If Only You Knew” Training Workshop for Volunteers 

Participants showed great interaction with the workshop, which aims to enhance environmental awareness, and allow volunteers to exchange experiences regarding the best ways to give lectures in preparation for taking this role within the “If Only You Knew” program.

Students from the Amman National School Participate in the Green Caravan

About 100 students planted citrus trees on the land of farmer Mahmoud Merhi, as part of the Green Caravan Program.

APN Builds a Well in Deir Al Balah, Gaza

The well is over sixty meters deep and will enhance access to water in an area inhabited by around 12,000 people. It was created to help alleviate extreme Gazan water scarcity and the long distances many residents had to travel to reach drinking water.

100 Trees Planted in Madaba

APN planted 100 fruit trees in the Faiha'a area of the Madaba Governate on February 6, 2020, as part of the Green Caravan Project. The planting was supported by the Luxury and Development Company and the Madaba Women's Association.

APN Replants Trees Uprooted by Settlers in Bethlehem

On March 2, 2020, APN and the Bethlehem Farmers’ Union planted 200 grape trees on the land of farmer Muhammad Ibrahim Salah, in the town of Al Khader, south of Bethlehem, days after settlers uprooted his trees.

APN and the FAO Meet in Cairo to Discuss the Promotion of the "Arab Tree Path"

On February 5, 2020, Arab Network for Food Sovereignty (ANFS) President Razan Zuaytar and APN General Manager Mariam Al Jaajaa met with members of the Regional Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Cairo, to discuss the "Arab Tree Path" project.

APN Meets with the Minister of  Agriculture to Convey the Message of Civil Society

On February 19, 2020, APN met with the Jordanian Minister of Agriculture, Ibrahim Al Shehadeh. APN conveyed the civil society’s call to be further involved in forums and invited the ministry to participate in the “Arab Tree Path" project.