Terra Fidea Historical Palestinian Nature Reserve is the only natural area and last remaining “breathing lung” in the city of Ramallah. Its area extends from Al-Tira neighbourhood to the industrial zone from one side and from Batn Al-Hawa and Wadi Al-Dalab areas on the other. The name “Terra Fidea” derives from\ Latin, which means fidelity land, a name that was given by the Romans to the narrow valleys that flow between two mountains.
The Terra Fidea Reserve is a national treasure as this green area holds historical, natural, environmental and heritage aspects of Palestine. The area is characterized by its Roman olive trees and oak, mulul, pistacia, maple, eucalyptus, crataegusmonogyna trees among many other trees and herbs. It contains old wells and olive presses carved into stone, Manatir (plural of mintar, watch towers), rock carvings, coral fossils and other features revealing the distinctive biological diversity of the area. Since the sixteenth century, successive generations have taken care of our Palestinian land, protected it from occupation, cultivated it, ploughed it, planted it and built its sanasel (stone terraces). We adore it and pass on from generation to the next as a national Palestinian treasure. Our steadfastness on the land challenges Zionist ambitions to erase our memory, heritage and history.
As the last remaining reserve within the vicinity of the city, Terra Fidea, for decades now, has defied several plans to damage it and threaten its very existence. The most recent challenge has been the encroachment of the city through its random urban expansion as well as the dumping of backfill and rocks from the waste of construction sites. The dumping is taking place on large areas of the reserve, which contains old Roman olive trees and vintage stone terraces. Moreover, the construction of large 22-meters wide roads on the sides of the valley increased the amount of backfill resulting in the destruction of the environment, natural areas and fruit-bearing trees.
Furthermore, the area surrounding the reserve was turned into an industrial zone, which has resulted in significant damage, as thousands of car tires are dumped on its lands and two wastewater pipes were extended from the industrial zone towards the reserve. This reflects the struggles Palestinians face as they resist not only the occupation but also local authorities when it comes to protecting and preserving their land and environment.
This is what drives Zahran Jagab, Terra Fedia’s owner, to protect, promote and raise awareness of the importance of the preservation of such nature reserves. He took on the initiative to renovate the reserve’s manatir, create tourist paths and revive both the farms within it. Zahran started planting organic seasonal vegetables and distributing them to visitors and families. He also hosted many students, volunteers, families, and visitors to introduce the reserve and the importance of organic agriculture and to enhance people’s bond with the land.
The reserve hosts visitors, researchers, explorers and volunteers to get to learn more about it and about Palestine’s environmental, agricultural and historical heritage. Zahran welcomes visitors to the area, and also volunteers who can help maintain and clean the Terra Fidea Reserve and the surrounding areas.
Terra Fidea Reserve is a historic natural reserve in Ramallah and a legacy that must be preserved for future generations.
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Volunteering Opportunities: Maintenance and cleaning of the Terra Fidea reserve and surrounding areas. Prior coordination via Facebook.