The Palestinian Heirloom Seed Library, a first of its kind, was launched in Battir-Bethlehem on Friday 3 June, 2016 . The library preserves seeds from crop species that are fast dying out and has been at the center of a drive for Palestinian school children to learn about their agricultural heritage.
Led by Palestinian rural anthropologist Vivien Sansour, in partnership with the Foundation’s Walid and Helen Kattan Science Education Project/Educational Research and Development Programme, a group of teachers from across the Bethlehem and Hebron areas have been meeting and devising an education programme to bring seed saving and Palestinian agricultural history into their classrooms.
Teachers and students are now well-versed in the origins of seeds, soil health, organic agriculture, as well as the political dimensions of heirloom seed collection.
“In Palestine, we face both a challenge and an opportunity. Our challenge is how to save our biological and cultural diversity in a context where we lack political autonomy. Our opportunity is the wealth of a still alive ancient agricultural knowledge, practices and seeds” says Sansour.
An art installation created by Vivien Sansour and artist Ayed Arafah will showcase the collection, and a model of how the seeds will be displayed, and how people can interact with and use the seeds, as well as a collection of photos and videos created by teachers and students.
Nader Wahbeh, Researcher and Director of WHK Science Education Project, added: “The project aims to highlight the importance of alternative education in science, as well as emphasise the importance of protecting our cultural and agricultural heritage from disappearing in the context of political oppression.
Sansour and the teachers will showcase a piece of land that has been rehabilitated and planted with a variety of heirloom produce in Battir (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). A short hike from the main launch area of the Heirloom Seed Library is the land where people can learn more about heritage species grown in Palestine. Traditional food and music will also be on offer during the launch.
The concept of a seed library means heirloom seeds can be “borrowed” and new seeds from the crops returned the next season in a journey to learn and raise awareness about the importance of seed and food sovereignty.
Since 1967, Israel has drowned the Palestinian agricultural sector with chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, not to mention the unknown amount of experimental seed. Palestinian farmers have lost their heirloom seeds and are becoming increasingly dependent on Israeli companies for their yearly seedling and seed supply. Like farmers all over the world, Palestinian farmers are being forced into a world of mono cropping that has left them vulnerable to middlemen who dictate prices and crop varieties, forcing them to abandon their farming traditions based on intercropping and a harmonious relationship with nature.