Nature Reserves and Parks

The Civil Administration's Nature Reserves and Parks Unit is in charge of the treatment, maintenance, and preservation of nature reserves and parks in Judea and Samaria.

The region of Judea and Samaria is rich with a wide variety of unique nature and heritage sites. Nature preservation is crucial in this area, due to its marginal position between the desert region and the Mediterranean Sea. The protected existence of various species in the transitional regions, both flora and fauna, carries great importance. As such, unit members organize many projects for the preservation of nature and wildlife in the region. For instance, a unique multi-year project aiming to reinforce the eagle population is being carried out in the Judean Desert area.

The region of Judea and Samaria is also home to a one-of-a-kind concentration of archaeological sites in Judea and Samaria, representing the region's heritage throughout history. The Civil Administration greatly invests in the development of these sites, some of which been excavated, officially designated, and prepared for visitors. Among the most prominent historical sites are the Herodium National Park, the Qumran National Park, the Sebastia National Park, and the baptism site Qasr al-Yahud.

During the holidays, these sites hold activities open to the public, with thousands of visitors in attendance. Likewise, massive resources are invested each year in the maintenance of sites, which are free of charge for all visitors, such as: Ein Mabua, the site marking the tomb of the prophet Samuel, the Wadi Murabba'at Reserve (the Darga Stream), the baptism site Qasr al-Yahud, and more.

One of the sites in which the Civil Administration invested a considerable amount of resources in recent years was the site of the Tomb of the Prophet Samuel. Preservation and development works were carried out at the site in order to accommodate the safety and comfort of worshipers from all religions visiting the site. These renovations included restoration of the original floor tiles, installation of air conditioning, additional safety measures, and more. In addition, archeological excavations are currently in process, revealing additional layers and exposing more information about the fascinating history of the site.

Visitors are welcome to explore these sites and many others and enjoy the ancient history alongside lush green nature.

Areas of Responsibility and Services

• Declaration, management, and maintenance of nature reserves, national parks, and protected zones
• Development and supervision of nature reserves and national parks and preparation of sites for visitors
• Declaration of protected wildlife
• Granting of hunting licenses and supervision of signage laws and illegal hunting
• Supervision of open areas in the Judea and Samaria region in order to prevent injury and to assist the Civil Administration in enforcing laws relating to land, water, nature, quality of life, and the environment
• Approval of construction activity in the area of reserves and in areas containing protected zones or species
• Patrol of nature reserves and parks, execution of preservation research, and preservation of rare species
• Education, information, and training on nature and heritage