Despite its relatively small size, Palestine has a very rich, unique and diverse natural heritage. Because of its strategic location and proximity to the three continents of Africa, Asia and Europe, and its location on the Mediterranean Sea, it has a rich biodiversity and fascinating geological formations.

Palestine is made up of several ecological zones each of which has unique species, ecological communities and landscapes.  These include the eastern and western slopes, the desert in the south, the Dead Sea area and off coarse the coastal area in Gaza.

According to Palestine Wildlife Society (www.wildlife-pal.org), there over 2700 species of plants belonging to some 126 families which is a considerably large number considering the size of Palestine.  This semi-arid wilderness area which extends from the eastern slopes of Jerusalem to the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley blooms in the spring with flowers of all colors, including some medicinal herbs such as wild chamomile.