In the heart of the West Bank, a pressing challenge unfolds: a rapidly growing population and a scarcity of developable land, all under the constraints of Israeli occupation. This is the reality that Dr. Iman Khudeish, a spatial planning expert from An Najah National University in Nablus, Palestine, is grappling with. Her recent research, published in the journal ‘Urbano’ (which translates to ‘Urban’), offers a compelling vision for sustainable urban expansion that could reshape the region’s development trajectory.
Khudeish’s work is a response to a stark reality: Palestinian cities are bursting at the seams. “We have high population density and fast growth, but we lack control over the land,” she explains. This lack of control stems from the Israeli occupation, which has imposed significant constraints on urban planning and development.
The research outlines two scenarios for urban expansion. The first, spanning 2023 to 2030, considers planning under current Israeli occupation restrictions. The second, from 2030 to 2050, envisages a future where Palestinians have full sovereignty over the West Bank lands within the 1967 borders.
Khudeish’s model uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess land suitability for urban expansion and development. This approach aims to guarantee balanced development and improve the overall spatial urban development plan for the West Bank. “We need to use all available urban development models within city limits to accommodate the growing population,” she says. This involves expanding residential neighborhoods in all directions and developing the least developed lands.
The commercial implications of this research are significant, particularly for the energy sector. Sustainable urban planning can lead to more efficient energy use, reducing costs and environmental impact. Moreover, the development of new cities and residential areas can create opportunities for renewable energy projects, such as solar or wind farms, to power these growing communities.
Khudeish’s work also highlights the importance of considering political constraints in urban planning. By outlining two scenarios, she provides a roadmap for development that is flexible and adaptable to changing political realities.
This research could shape future developments in the field by emphasizing the need for sustainable and integrated urban planning. It underscores the importance of considering both environmental and political factors in urban development, offering a holistic approach that could be applied in other regions facing similar challenges.
As the world grapples with rapid urbanization and climate change, Khudeish’s insights offer a timely reminder of the need for sustainable, forward-thinking urban planning. Her work, published in ‘Urbano’, is a beacon of hope for the West Bank and a testament to the power of innovative thinking in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.