The Applied Research Institute-Jerusalem (ARIJ) prepared this page within the activities of “Promoting socio-economic sustainable development through innovative technological actions for Mediterranean tourism heritage and landscapes protection clusters (HELAND)” project. The main objective of the project in Palestine is to promote the socio-economic and enhancement of Al Badhan village in
Nablus, through sustainable tourism and landscape protection. Al Badhan was chosen for this project because its topography varies between mountains, plains and valleys. The area is known for an abundance of water springs and high biodiversity, and is considered one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Palestine. Promoting Socio-economic Sustainable Development through Innovative Technological Actions for Mediterranean Tourism-Heritage and Landscapes Protection Clusters (HELAND) is a research project funded by the Cross-Border Cooperation within the European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), Mediterranean Sea Basin Joint Operational Programme. It is a joint project between ten organizations and research centers from six countries: Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Spain, Cyprus and Malta. The Applied Research Institute Jerusalem (ARIJ) is the Palestinian partner of the project and its case study is Landscape Protection. The Mediterranean region is currently being affected by increasing environmental and cultural deterioration. Although it is still one of the foremost tourist areas in the world, the Mediterranean is progressively losing attractiveness. In order to regain competitiveness, Mediterranean countries need to modernize the management of touristic assets, investing in new technologies and innovative policies. HELAND caters to the needs of public and private bodies active in the management of tourist sites with a view to strengthening their capacities in the field of sustainable tourism