“Sawsanah” – A New Environmental News Platform in Palestine

18 – 1 – 2025

On Saturday, the Witness Center for Citizen Rights and Social Development in Nablus, West Bank, announced the launch of the post-pilot phase of the “Sawsana” news platform. This platform specializes in environmental, climate, and science issues, with journalist Jameel Dababat serving as its chief editor. The event was attended by Dr. Samah Saleh, a member of the Witness Center’s Board of Directors; Samah Al-Kharouf, Director of the Ministry of Culture’s Nablus Office; Ayman Al-Noubani, Acting Director General of Environmental Awareness and Media and a member of the Journalists’ Syndicate’s General Secretariat; Ayman Abed Rabbo, an expert in waste recycling from the Environmental Quality Authority; and several journalists.

Chief Editor Jameel Dababat stated that “Sawsana” is a specialized news platform primarily dedicated to informing the Palestinian public about environmental issues, including energy systems, climate change, and scientific research.

Dababat emphasized that one of the platform’s goals is to help the Palestinian audience gain a deeper understanding of environmental components and their impact on daily life and the future of upcoming generations.

Ahmed Jarousha, Executive Director of the Witness Center, highlighted that the goal of “Sawsana” is to convey environmental stories through a Palestinian lens, providing reliable information about environmental issues and climate change. This is coupled with raising awareness, educating the public, and encouraging sustainable behaviors aimed at preserving the environment.

The platform’s organizers committed to an editorial approach that adheres to high ethical standards, noting that a publicly available editorial policy guides the editorial team’s work.

During its trial phase, the platform covered various topics, including aspects of wildlife, climate change, water bodies, and eco-tourism. It also introduced a section dedicated to science journalism and research related to climate, water, and scientific discoveries.

The Witness Center briefed attendees on the platform’s work, methodology, development process, and editorial policy, emphasizing that this pioneering initiative adds value to local journalism by connecting Palestinian environmental issues to culture, identity, and national awareness.