Landscape Change in Jericho Governorate

Ecology Report Landscape Change in Jericho Governorate MAYAR KHASHAM 1193079 AYA DAOUD 1203064

2024

ORUB QOQAS 1203032 AMIRA SAYYAD 1202424

Faculty of Engineering and Technology Department of Architecture and Urban Planning Landscape Ecology ENPL425 Landscape Change in Jericho Governorate Done By: Amira Sayyad Orub Qoqas Aya Daoud Mayar Khasham Supervised By: Dr. Samar Alnazer & Eng. Yanah Enayah ECOLOGY REPORT

Submission Date: 17-2-2024

2024

Contents

ECOLOGY REPORT

Abstract

01

Matrix Diagram

21

Literature Review

02

Patches Analysis

24

Research Problem

05

Discussion

29

Research Question

05

Conclusion

31

Objectives

05

References

32

Study Area

06

Methodology

08

Digitizing Using GIS

09

Overlay Results

11

Landscape Composition

17

Loss & Gain

19

2024

Abstract This study investigates the ecological landscape changes in Ein el Douk, Ein el Sultan camp, and Wadi el Quilt areas within Jericho Governorate from 1997 to 2022. Utilizing satellite imagery and land-use data, the research examines significant shifts in land cover, agricultural practices, industrial activities, and urban expansion. The analysis offers valuable insights into the dynamic transformations occurring in the region.

Through precise examination and comparison of these aspects, the study contributes to a better understanding of the evolving landscape and provides essential information for sustainable development and conservation efforts in Jericho.

Keywords: Landscape change , GIS , Jericho , land cover , ecological landscape assessment , land cover change , landscape dynamics , satellite imagery analysis.

ECOLOGY REPORT

2024

01

Literature Review Landscape Change One of the definitions used to describe the term landscape is “the manifestations of the interplay of natural processes and cultural practices” (Burgi, 2022). As a result of ever-changing social and economic conditions, landscapes are often active and lively. The patterns of these changes and the drivers behind them need to be studies in order to predict future changes. Proactive strategies and effective design can then be achieved according to planning policies and regulations (Garcia-Martin et al., 2021).

In the 1990s and the early 21st century, interest in land use and land cover changes increased but due to the lack of participation in mapping from all countries, initial efforts were fragmented. Lack of coordination methods and differences in land use and land cover classification systems is another reason why these efforts failed (Feranec et al., 2009).

The study of landscape in Aruba emerges in the 1970s, during which there was a rising interest in this field as a scientific discipline. The Landscape Approach gained political support through the Europe Landscape Convention as a result of the environmental sustainability concerns. Research in the Aruba landscape focuses on land cover and land use, which are crucial for safeguarding natural landscapes and guiding future development under diverse scenarios. The methodology was a combination of local case studies, as well large and micro-scale analyses. These were crucial for understanding the general and specific landscape patterns The ongoing research predicts landscape changes and emphasizes the importance of transportation strategies in the context of urbanization (Garcia-Martin et al., 2021).

ECOLOGY REPORT

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02

Drivers of Landscape Change Matthias Burgi, one of the most prominent landscape change researchers, has divided the dimensions of analysis of drivers of landscape change into 8 avenues: 1) institutions as actors 2) decision-making directly affecting driving forces 3) from pixels to landscapes 4) flexible system boundaries 5) integration of information 6) causal chains 7) anticipation of shifts of regimes 8) support of planning and policy (Burgi, 2022).

Landscape Change in Palestine There is an intricate relationship between orientalism, power dynamics, and their impact on landscape change and environmental issues. The Israeli-Palestinian dynamic is examined in light of colonial misreadings, with aerial imagery playing an essential role in deciding on settlement locations. There is an explicit display of power in the placing of Israeli settlements on hilltops, which embody Foucauldian notions of visual dominance and invisible control. The Palestinian landscape in a unique display of a frozen time-space dynamic, marked by restriction on development and lack of street names on Google Maps (Adolfsson, 2016).

Maintaining a connection to the past is crucial, so as not to give in to the seemingly “irreversible” geography of settlements. The landscape is now broken into a cohesive, rapid Israeli time-space, and a slow, scattered Palestinian landscape. Checkpoints and restrictions complicate daily life, and contribute to the fragmentation of the landscape.

Unlike conventional borders, Palestine contends with two opposing systems, the activities of the Palestinian population and the practices of the Israeli occupation. Both contribute to the landscape alterations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The seizing of Palestinian territory for settlement plans is an Israeli strategy which impedes Palestinian economic progress (Isaac and Hilal, 2011). These political and cultural factors contribute to the rapid and unpredictable changes to the environmental landscape.

ECOLOGY REPORT

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03

GIS Applications in Landscape Change In a case study investigating the spatio-temporal changes in the agricultural landscape of Podoleni, Romania, GIS techniques were employed for efficient land-use management by social authorities. Because of a transition from collective farms to individual ownership in 1989, there was a decrease in agricultural productivity. The study, which utilized cadastral plans, topography plans, satellite images, and GIS techniques, revealed that excessive land fragmentation negatively impacted productivity. Following this analysis, renewal efforts such as infrastructure development and road improvements created new investment opportunities.

This study included three main stages of analysis: evaluation of political and socio-economic factors, capturing socioeconomic driving forces of land use change, and assessing the impact of agrarian reforms. The improvements led to a shift in agricultural character, favoring cereals like corn and wheat, as well as an increase in arable land, pastures, and grasslands.

These findings underscore the importance of GIS techniques and efficient land-use management for sustainable agricultural development in Podoleni and around the world (Chelaru et al., 2011).

CORINE Land Cover The Corine Land Cover system is a standardized tool for land use and cover classification in Europe. This study examines landscape changes in the Jericho governorate utilizing this system, which categorizes landscapes into five key classes: Artificial Surfaces, Agricultural Areas, Forests, Wetlands, and Water Bodies. This approach offers a robust foundation for analyzing the regions evolving land cover dynamics (Feranec et al., 2009).

ECOLOGY REPORT

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04

Research Problem This study is an investigation into the spatio-temporal dynamics of land use in Jericho, specifically in the area of Ain Al-Deuke, Deir Al-Qelt, and Ain Al-Sultan camp, from 1997 to 2022. The goals is to study and compare the changes in land use patterns between the two periods, considering factors such as urbanization, agricultural and industrial practices, and infrastructure development.

Research Questions The main questions of this study are: What changed in land cover patterns occurred during 1997 and 2022?

How did these changes affect the landscape elements?

What are the gains and losses for each of the landscape classes?

Objectives 1. To conduct a comprehensive analysis of land use changes in Ain Al-Deuke, Deir Al-Qelt, and Ain Al-Sultan camp, from 1997 to 2022.

2. To identify and categorize the different land cover types within the specified regions.

3. To quantify and analyze the temporal changes in land cover within Ein el Douk, Ein el Sultan camp, and Wadi el Quilt areas from 1997 to 2022 using satellite imagery.

4. To examine the patterns and drivers of urban expansion within Ein el Douk, Ein el Sultan camp, and Wadi el Quilt areas during the study period.

ECOLOGY REPORT

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05

Study Area The study area for the investigation into landscape change encompasses the diverse and historically significant region of Jericho Governorate, spanning specific locations such as Ain El-Deuke, Deir Al-Qelt, and Ein Al-sultan camp. Situated within the broader context of the West Bank, Jericho is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, being one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.

SITE MAP

E’IN AL SULTAN E’IN EL DEUUK

JERICHO DEIR AL QULT

WEST BANK

JERICHO SITE

GLOBE - PALESTINE

ECOLOGY REPORT

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06

Study Area

'Ein ad Duyuk al Fauqa 'Ein as Sultan Camp

'Ein as Sultan Camp

'Ein ad Duyuk al Fauqa

Deir al Qilt Deir al Qilt

Aerial photo 1997

Aerial photo 1922 07

Methodology First, the site’s location was determined, and then a literature review was done to understand previous research, identify research gaps, and develop a framework for the analysis. The CORINE Classification was utilized for the study based on the review, and it was customized to fit the physical attributes of the study area.

Methodology Literature Review

CORINE Classification

Data Collection

Aerial photos for 1997 & 2022

The categories of land uses were classified as follows: 1) Built-up areas 3) Natural areas 5) Water bodies

2) Agricultural land 4) Natural corridors

Because of the ongoing political situation, no site visits were conducted. The data was collected mainly from Geomolg, and aerial photos from the provided imagery base maps on ArcGIS Pro were also used. This software was used for digitizing land covers and calculating their areas. The results were recorded in a “Losses and Gains” table, and then shown in a matrix.

ECOLOGY REPORT

Data Analysis

Calculations

Digitizing aerial photos using ArcGIS Pro Measuring areas Overlaying the two maps Areas Losses & Gains Number of Patches DIAGRAM I: METHODOLOGY

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08

09

1997 Map

2022 Map E’IN EL DEUK

E’IN EL DEUK

E’IN EL SULTAN

E’IN EL SULTAN

Legend Legend

DEIR EL QULT

ECOLOGY REPORT

Legend

SCALE 1:30,000

DEIR EL QULT

2024

SCALE 1:30,000

10

11

Palestinian Residential Areas - Overlay 1997/2022

E’IN EL DEUK E’IN EL SULTAN

The Palestinian built-up area in expanded from 52,320 hectares (3% of the total area) in 1997 to 84,428 hectares (6% of the total area) in 2022.

In the Ain al-Sultan camp area, we observe that built-up areas have increased on the edges . while, in the Ain al-Deuk area, buildings have significantly increased after being almost free of buildings. As for the Deir al- Qult area, it has remained unchanged.

Areas comparative table Areas name

Areas of 1997 (Hectares)

Areas of 2022 (Hectares)

Palestinian Built- up

52.320

84.428

(Fig 1.1) Table shows The Difference In Area Of Palestinians residential Areas From 1997 To 2022

Legend

(Fig.2.1) Graphs shows The Difference In Area Of Palestinians residential Areas From 1997 To 2022

DEIR EL QULT

ECOLOGY REPORT

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12

Permanent Agricultural Trees - Overlay 1997/2022 E’IN EL DEUK

E’IN EL SULTAN

T h e a r e a o f ​p e r m a n e n t t r e e s i n c r e a s e d f r o m 1 4 . 0 9 6 hectares (2% of the total area) in 1997 to 31.483 hectares (3% of the total area) in 2022.

In the camp area we noticed an increase in permanent trees. While the Ain al-Deuke area a noticeable decline in permanent trees. As for the Deir al-Qelt area, there has been an increase in permanent trees.

Areas comparative table Areas name

Areas of 1997 (Hectares)

Areas of 2022 (Hectares)

Permanent agricultural trees

14.096

31.483

(Fig 1.2) Table shows The Difference of Permanent Agriculture Trees Areas From 1997 To 2022

Legend

DEIR EL QULT

ECOLOGY REPORT

(Fig.2.2) Graphs shows The Difference of Permanent Agriculture Trees Areas From 1997 To 2022

Scale 1:30,000

2024

13

Arable Land - Overlay

E’IN EL DEUK

E’IN EL SULTAN

T h e a r e a o f ​A r a b l e l a n d d e c r e a s e d f r o m 6 4 , 9 0 9 hectares (4% of the total area) in 1997 to 41,578 hectares (4% of the total area) in 2022.

Areas comparative table

DEIR EL QULT

ECOLOGY REPORT

Areas name

Areas of 1997 (Hectares)

Areas of 2022 (Hectares)

Arable land

64.909

41.578

(Fig 1.3 )Table shows The Difference of Arable Lands Areas From 1997 To 2022

(Fig 2.3 ) Graphs shows The Difference of Arable Lands Areas From 1997 To 2022

Scale 1:30,000 2024

14

Scrub Area - Overlay

E’IN EL DEUK

E’IN EL SULTAN

The Scrub area decreased from 1477.734 hectares (79% of the total area) in 1997 to 1429.77 hectares (72% of the total area) in 2022.

We noticed that most of our area is a scrub, but the scrub area partially decreased from 1997 until 2022 on the outskirts of E’in el sultan camp, and it also began to shrink i n t h e E ’ i n e l D e u e k a r e a o f ​t h e n o r t h e a s t e r n r e g i o n .

Areas comparative table

DEIR EL QULT

ECOLOGY REPORT

Scale 1:30,000

Areas name

Areas of 1997 (Hectares)

Areas of 2022 (Hectares)

Scrub area

1477.734

1429.77

(Fig 1.4 ) Table shows The Difference In Area Of Scrub Area From 1997 To 2022

(Fig.2.4 ) Graphs shows The Difference In Area Of Scrub Area From 1997 To 2022

15

Paved Roads - Overlay

E’IN EL DEUK

E’IN EL SULTAN

T h e a r e a o f ​p a v e d r o a d s i n c r e a s e d f r o m 1 . 8 7 5 hectares (1% of the total area) in 1997 to 22.163 hectares (2% of the total area) in 2022.

Areas Comparative Table

DEIR EL QULT

ECOLOGY REPORT

Scale 1:30,000

Areas name

Areas of 1997 (Hectares)

paved roads

1.875

Areas of 2022 (Hectares)

22.163

(Fig1.5) Table shows The Difference of paved areas Areas From 1997 To 2022

(Fig.2.5) Graphs shows The Difference of paved areas Areas From 1997 To 2022

16

17

Areas of 1997 (Hectares)

Percentage of areas 1997(%)

Areas of 2022 (Hectares)

Percentage of areas 2022(%)

Palestinian Built- up

52.320

3%

84.428

6%

Permeant trees

14.096

2%

31.483

3%

Arable land

64.909

4%

41.578

4%

Construction site

0

0%

1.624

1%

Scrub area

1477.734

79%

1429.77

72%

industrial area

0

0%

0.586

1%

Paved roads

1.875

1%

22.163

2%

Unpaved roads

20.481

3%

19.180

2%

Green houses

0.546

1%

3.863

1%

Valleys

102.475

7%

101.154

7%

Water bodies

0.955

0%

0.556

1%

TOTAL

1,735.763

100%

1734.779

100%

Areas name

(Fig 1.6) Table shows The percentage Of Land Use Area In 1997 ECOLOGY REPORT

Landscape Composition 1997 & 2022 Area Table Scrub area has the highest percent of other uses, the significant change was In unpaved most of Ain Sultan camp Streets was unpaved with a percentage of 3%. Some of the unpaved roads turned into paved roads in 2022. There was a notable decrease in the percentage of arable land, increase in greenhouses, and increase in Palestinian built-up area.

The very small decrease in the total area of valleys is a result of turning some of them into roads.

Graph of percentage

(Fig 2.6) Graphs shows Area Percentage Of Uses Since 1997 to 2022

18

19

Areas name

Areas of 1997 (Hectares)

Areas of 2022 (Hectares)

Loss and Gains

Loss and Gains Table

Palestinian Built- up

52.320

84.428

+32.108

Permeant trees

14.096

31.483

+17.387

Arable land

64.909

41.578

-23.331

Construction sites

0

1.624

+1.624

Scrub area

1477.734

1429.77

-48.734

0

0.586

+0.586

The most notable gain was for the Palestinian built-up area, and the most notable loss was for the scrub area.

There is a direct correlation between these two, as the development of the built-up area takes place on previous scrub area.

Other noteworthy gains and losses are the gains in permanent trees, construction sites, Industrial areas, green houses, and paved roads, and the loses in valleys, unpaved roads, and water bodies.

Paved roads

1.875

22.163

+20.288

Loss and Gains Graph

Unpaved roads

20.481

19.180

-1.301

Green houses

0.546

3.863

+3.317

Valleys

102.475

101.154

-1.321

Water bodies

0.955

0.556

-0.399

Total

1,735.763

1734.779

0.984

industrial area

(Fig1.7) Table shows Loss and Gain of uses Since 1997 to 2022

ECOLOGY REPORT

(Fig 2.7) Graphs shows Loss and Gain of uses Since 1997 to 2022

20

21

Land use 1997

Total class area in 1997

Palestinian Built- up in 2022

Permeant trees in 2022

Arable land in 2022

Construction sites in 2022

Scrub area in 2022

industrial area in 2022

Paved roads in 2022

Unpaved roads in 2022

Green houses in 2022

Valleys in 2022

Water bodies in 2022

Palestinian Built- up in 1997

52.320

46.206

2.859

0.114

0.0

1.410

0.042

1.634

0.483

0.0

0.0

0.066

Permeant trees in 1997

14.096

1.893

4.069

5.670

0.325

0.810

0.0

0.809

0.679

0.111

0.0

0.029

Arable land in 1997

64.909

8.313

9.746

27.030

0.645

10.850

0.0

0.994

5.568

2.890

0.0

0.114

Construction sites in 1997

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Scrub area in 1997

1477.734

26.814

13.218

7.231

0.610

1412.22

0.544

7.965

8.577

0.724

0.807

0.037

industrial area in 1997

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Paved roads in 1997

1.875

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.00

0.0

1.875

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Unpaved roads in 1997

20.481

1.011

1.404

1.805

0.044

3.448

0.0

8.886

3.873

0.034

0.245

0.0

Matrix diagram for the landscape classes areas (1997 vs. 2022).

According to these calculations, the most dominant element in the landscape of the study area is the scrub area. It has the largest area of land that remained unchanged throughout the study period. Other significant elements which remained largely unchanged were the valleys and the Palestinian built-up areas.

Legend Area remained unchanged in each class.

No change in area

Green houses in 1997

0.546

0.062

0.0

0.218

0.0

0.213

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.064

0.0

0.0

Valleys

102.475

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

1.471

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

100.10 2

0.0

Water bodies

0.955

0.129

0.187

0.153

0.0

0.808

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.040

0.0

0.310

Total class area in 2022

1735.391

84.428

31.483

41.578

1.624

1429.77

0.586

22.163

19.180

3.863

101.154

0.556

Class that has the greatest increase Indicate classes that decreased a lot in area

(Fig1.8) Table of Matrix from 1997 To 2022

22

Land use 1997

Total class area in 1997

Palestinia n Built- up in 2022

Permeant trees in 2022

Arable land in 2022

Constructio n sites in 2022

Scrub area in 2022

Industrial area in 2022

Paved roads in 2022

Unpaved roads in 2022

Green houses in 2022

Valleys in 2022

Water bodies in 2022

Palestinian Built- up in 1997

3%

52%

9%

1%

0%

1%

7%

7%

3%

0%

0%

12%

Permeant trees in 1997

2%

4%

13%

13%

20%

1%

0%

4%

4%

3%

0%

5%

Arable land in 1997

4%

10%

31%

62%

40%

4%

0%

4%

29%

75%

0%

21%

Construction sites in 1997

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

Scrub area in 1997

79%

31%

42%

16%

38%

89%

93%

36%

45%

19%

2%

7%

industrial area in 1997

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

Paved roads in 1997

1%

2%

0%

0%

0%

0%

0%

8%

0%

0%

0%

0%

Unpaved roads in 1997

3%

0%

4%

5%

3%

2%

0%

40%

20%

1%

1%

0%

Green houses in 1997

1%

0%

0%

2%

0%

1%

0%

0%

0%

2%

0%

0%

Valleys

7%

0%

0%

0%

0%

1%

0%

0%

0%

0%

97%

0%

Indicate classes that decreased a lot in area

Water bodies

0%

1%

1%

1%

0%

1%

0%

0%

0%

1%

0%

55%

Total class area in 2022

(Fig 1.9) Table Shows Percentage of Matrix from 1997 to 2022

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Percentage of Matrix diagram for the landscape classes areas (1997 vs.

2022).

The previous discussion becomes more evident using the percentages of each area, where the scrub area (89%) has a very large percentage of unchanged land. Other very remarkable percentages include valleys, arable land, and water bodies.

Legend Area remained unchanged in each class.

No change in area Class that has the greatest increase

23

24

Landscape Structure Number of patches 1997

Number of patches 2022

Palestinian Built- up

95

408

Permanent trees

10

200

Arable land

26

40

Construction sites

0

9

Scrub area

44

129

Industrial area

0

3

Paved roads

1

8

Unpaved roads

12

103

Green houses

3

20

Valleys

110

122

Water bodies

11

10

Total

312

1052

Areas name

(Fig1.10) Table shows Number of Patches In 1997 To 2022

ECOLOGY REPORT

Number of Patches The most remarkable increase in the number of patches was in the Palestinian built-up area. Other notable increases include permanent trees, arable land, scrub area, construction sites, industrial area, paved roads, unpaved roads, greenhouses, and valleys. The only decrease in number of patched was in the water bodies, with a loss of only one patch.

Number of Patches Graph

(Fig 2.8) Graphs shows Number of Patches In 1997 To 2022

25

Areas name

Area (in Number of hectare) 1997 patches 1997

Avg.size (A/N)- 1997

Area (in Number of hectare) 2022 patches 2022

Avg.size (A/N)- 2022

Palestinian Built- up

52.320

95

0.550

84.428

408

0.206

Permanent trees

14.096

10

1.410

31.483

200

0.157

Arable land

64.909

26

2.496

41.578

40

1.04

Construction sites

0

0

0

1.624

9

0.180

Scrub area

1477.734

44

33.58

1429.77

129

11.08

Industrial area

0

0

0

0.586

3

0.195

Paved roads

1.875

1

1.875

22.163

8

2.770

Unpaved roads

20.481

12

1.707

19.180

103

0.186

Green houses

0.546

3

0.182

3.863

20

0.193

Valleys

102.475

110

0.931

101.154

122

0.830

Water bodies

0.955

11

0.087

0.556

10

0.055

Total

1,735.763

312

5.563

1734.779

1052

1.650

(Fig1.11) Graphs shows The Average Size Of Patches In 1997 And 2022 ECOLOGY REPORT

Average Size of Patches The most significant increase in the average size of patches was in the scrub area. Other notable increases include construction area, industrial area, paved roads, and greenhouses. Decreases in average size of patches were in Palestinian built-up area, permanent trees, unpaved roads, valleys, and water bodies.

Average Size Graph

(Fig.2.9) Graphs shows The Average Size Of Patches In 1997 And 2022

26

The Change of Patch Size From 1997 to 2022 This figure shows sample of the change of the size of scrub area ,because of new development In Ein Deuke town to turn into subdivided In new uses like built-up Palestinian residential area ,arable lands, and agricultural permanent trees based on agricultural activities In Ein El-Deuke town.

1997

2022

27

Areas name

Number of patches 1997

Area (in hectar)

Density (N/Area)

Number of patches 2022

Area (in hectar)

Density (N/Area)

Palestinian Built- up

95

52.320

1.816

408

84.428

4.832

Permanent trees

10

14.096

0.709

200

31.483

6.353

Arable land

26

64.909

0.400

40

41.578

0.962

Construction sites

0

0

0

9

1.624

5.542

Scrub area

44

1477.734

0.030

129

1429.77

0.090

Industrial area

0

0

0

3

0.586

5.119

Paved roads

1

1.875

0.533

8

22.163

0.361

Unpaved roads

12

20.481

0.586

103

19.180

5.370

Green houses

3

0.546

5.495

20

3.863

5.177

Valleys

110

102.475

1.073

122

101.154

1.206

Water bodies

11

0.955

11.518

10

0.556

17.985

Total

312

1,735.763

0.180

1052

1734.779

0.606

Patch Density Through the Years 1997 and 2022 Significant increases in patch density include Palestinian built-up area, permanent trees, arable land, scrub area, construction sites, and industrial areas, with the most remarkable one being the increase in water bodies. Decreases in patch density include paved roads, unpaved roads, and greenhouses.

Patch Density Graph

(Fig.2.10) Graphs shows The Density Of Patches In 1997 And 2022

(Fig 1.12) Graphs shows The Density Of Patches In 1997 And 2022 ECOLOGY REPORT

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Discussion The analysis of landscape change in Ein El-Deuke, Deir Al-Qelt, and Ein Al-Sultan within Jericho Governorate from 1997 to 2022 reveals the complex relationship between environmental, political, and economic factors in the region. The notable changes in landscape structure and composition when it comes to arable land and permanent agricultural trees, for example, can be attributed to the shift from collective farming to individual land ownership. This is a manifestation of the change in social norms as well as economic challenges and opportunities in the area.

One prominent trend is the significant increase in the Palestinian built-up area, which expanded 52,320 hectares in 1997 to 84,428 hectares in 2022. This expansion is directly correlated to the growing urbanization and population growth within the region, likely driven by various factors such as natural population increase, migration, and economic opportunities.

The analysis of the Palestinian residential areas reveals an interesting kind of urban sprawl unique to the Bedouins. While the urban development in Ein Al-Sultan camp was mainly internal, the sprawl outside of the main northern residential area in Ein Al-Deuke is spread out in the vast scrub area between the valleys. This spatial pattern highlights the dynamics of land use and land cover among different communities within the Palestinian built-up area.

Additionally, the area of permanent trees witnessed a substantial increase, rising from 14,096 hectares in 1997 to 31,483 hectares in 2022. This expansion could be attributed to changes in land management practices to enhance agricultural productivity and biodiversity.

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Discussion (Cont.)

However, not all land cover types experienced growth during the study period. The scrub area, for instance, decreased from 1477.734 hectares in 1997 to 1429.77 hectares in 2022. This decline may be indicative of factors such as urbanization, agricultural expansion, and land conversion for infrastructure development, all of which contribute to the loss of natural habitats and ecosystem degradation.

Furthermore, the analysis highlights shifts in land use patterns, with notable increases in paved roads, greenhouses, and industrial areas. The expansion of paved roads from 1.875 hectares in 1997 to 22.163 hectares in 2022 reflects investments in infrastructure development and transportation networks to support urban growth and economic activities. Conversely, there was a notable decrease in the percentage of arable land during the study period, alongside an increase in greenhouses. This trend suggests a transition in agricultural practices, possibly towards more intensive and specialized cultivation methods aimed at maximizing productivity and adapting to changing environmental conditions.

This study also sheds light on the impact of colonial legacies on the landscape and how it embodies notions of visual dominance and control. The study also underscores the Palestinian people‘s determination in maintaining a connection to the past. Overall, the analysis underscores the dynamic nature of landscape changes in Jericho Governorate, shaped by a complex interplay of socio-economic, political, and environmental factors. Understanding these trends and their implications is essential for informed decisionmaking and sustainable land management practices in the region.

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Conclusion Over the span from 19987 to 2022, the landscape in the analyzed region has undergone notable transformations, particularly in Ain El-Deuke and Ain El-Sultan Camp. These changes include a substantial increase in built-up areas and paved roads, indicative of significant urban development. Moreover, Ein el Sultan Camp has witnessed a remarkable surge in greenery, attributed in part to a growing trend of tree planting, motivated by both asthmatic preferences and agricultural needs. Ein El-Deuke has retained its agricultural character, experiencing a noteworthy expansion of arable lands. Notably, the region has diversified with the appearance of new land uses such as industrial and construction sites in 2022, reflecting the area's potential for robust development.

Deir Al-Quilt, on the other hand, has maintained its tourism character without undergoing significant alterations. The agricultural character of the region remains evident, with no pronounced changes noted.

Overall, the developments observed over this period suggest a dynamic landscape characterized by a mix of urbanization, agricultural expansion, and the emergence of new industrial and construction activities, affirming the region's potential for continued growth and diversified land.

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FERANEC, J., ET. AL. (2009). LANDSCAPE CHANGE ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT (CASE STUDIES IN SLOVAKIA AND BULGARIA). CENTRAL EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF GEOSCIENCES, 1(1), 106–119.

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