Occupation, the Environment and Food Sovereignty in Palestine

A not to be missed opportunity to hear a first-hand account of the impacts of settler colonial violence on the environment, water and food security in Palestine from one of Palestine’s leading environmental scientists. 

Professor Qumsiyeh will discuss the significance and meaning of the genocide and ongoing occupation, apartheid and ethnic cleansing both for Palestinians and the global community. This will be followed by questions from the audience. 

Hosted by Free Palestine Melbourne, Sustain; the Australian Food Network, Just Food Collective, Café Lab and Books not Bombs.

About Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh

Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh

Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh is a Palestinian scientist, researcher, teacher and author based in Bethlehem and offers a unique first-hand experience and knowledge of the violence and environmental impacts of the occupation. While genocide is taking place in Gaza, violence, oppression and dispossessions have greatly increased in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Across Palestinian lands are being bombed, water supplies affected, and the natural environment changed for ever as climate change increases in severity.

Professor Qumsiyeh is the founder and director of the Palestine Museum of Natural History and the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability. He has published over 180 scientific papers, over 30 book chapters, hundreds of articles, and several books including Sharing the Land of Canaan and Popular Resistance in Palestine: a history of hope and empowerment His writings focus on the environmental impact of colonisation, environmental and climate justice, cultural heritage, human rights, biodiversity and conservation. His latest research paper is titled “Impact of the Israeli military activities on the environment”.

Proceeds from this event will support the Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability where Professor Qumsiyeh works in Bethlehem. 

Prior to Professor's Mazin's lecture, the opening remarks on food sovereignty in Occupied Palestine will be delivered by Rasha Tayeh. 

About Rasha Tayeh

Rasha Tayeh

Rasha is a Palestinian artist, researcher, herbalist, nutritionist, and founder of Beit e’Shai Teahouse. 

Rasha has extensive experience working in public health nutrition, teaching sociology, researching food sovereignty & food systems both in Palestine and Australia. Her practice is land-based with an ecofeminist approach, focusing on telling stories about food and plant medicine across various mediums including photography, sound, film, words and live art. 

Rasha is interested in the space where art and health intersect; preserving food histories, exploring connection to land, food sovereignty, spirituality and people’s relationships in community & ecology.