The Scottish Highlands are set to welcome esteemed Palestinian environmentalist and human rights advocate Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh and his wife, Jessie Chang, who will visit as part of their UK and Ireland speaking tour from November 18th to 24th.
Professor Qumsiyeh, a distinguished biologist and activist, co-founded the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability and the Palestine Museum of Natural History in Bethlehem, aiming to inspire Palestinian youth to cherish and protect their natural environment amidst significant challenges.
Highland – Palestine, a local advocacy group, is hosting the couple, who will engage with the community by visiting environmental and cultural projects, while also sharing insights from their work in public talks across Evanton, Ullapool, Inverness, Fort William, and Boat of Garten.
Professor Qumsiyeh has earned international respect for his research and advocacy on issues ranging from biodiversity conservation to the impacts of colonisation, making him a powerful voice on the intersection of environmental and human rights.
Highland – Palestine expressed their anticipation for the visit, saying, “It is deeply humbling and a great privilege to offer our hospitality to such prestigious advocates for biodiversity and its relationship to human rights.”
Both Professor Qumsiyeh and Jessie Chang belong to the Christian community in Bethlehem, and through the Institute, they work with West Bank schools to instil an appreciation of nature in young people, teaching them to understand environmental degradation and become protectors of their homeland’s biodiversity.
The couple’s work has led to the formulation of the Palestinian National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, with their efforts recognised by awards such as the Paul K. Feyerabend Foundation laureate.
Highland – Palestine hopes the visit will inspire lasting partnerships and ongoing cooperation between organisations and communities in the Highlands and Bethlehem, fostering a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and human rights.
For full details, please see Highland – Palestine’s website or attend one of the public events scheduled across the Highlands:
- Evanton: November 19th, 6–9 pm, Victoria Diamond Jubilee Hall
- Ullapool: November 20th, 7–8:30 pm, The Ceilidh Place
- Inverness: November 21st, 7–9 pm, Merkinch Community Centre
- Fort William: November 22nd, 7–9 pm, Kilmallie Community Centre
- Boat of Garten: November 23rd, 2–8 pm, Boat of Garten Community Hall
For further information, contact Highland Palestine at highland.palestine@gmail.com or visit their website
