Evaluation of the Stone and Marble Industry in Palestine: environmental, geological, health, socioeconomic, cultural, and legal perspectives, in view of sustainable development

Abstract

The Stone (limestone) and Marble (trade name) Industry (SMI) is one of the most important and active industries in Palestine, as being economically and financially rewarding and greatly beneficial to the public and private sectors. This industry, which employs about 15,000–20,000 workers, contributes 20–25% to the total industrial revenues of Palestine, and 4.5% to the total gross national product. Despite its benefits, SMI has adverse effects on public health, the environment, biodiversity, water systems (both surface and underground), green cover, and ecosystems in general, as it is considered one of the most air- water-, soil-, and noise-polluting sources. To achieve the purpose of this research paper, available data and literature are analyzed, evaluated, and used, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the status of SMI, in light of sustainable development. This relates to various perspectives, including limestone geology, geopolitics, socioeconomics, culture, technology, legislation, as well as climate change, acid rain, and harmful effects of the SMI scale on public health and safety, environmental well-being, and challenges facing the industry. Two field studies, carried out in northern and southern West Bank, dealing with particulate matter (PM 1 , PM 2.5 , PM 7 , PM 10 , and TSP) and environmental pollution, were analyzed, and their results were compared with each other, as well as with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines. It is found that both West Bank’s areas are heavily polluted, resulting in considerable adverse impacts on public health, the environment, and green cover. Based on the findings of this paper, it is recommended that SMI should properly adhere to WHO guidelines and international standards to make the industry safer and more durable and sustainable, with fewer negative impacts on public health, the environment, and green cover.

The Value of Natural Stones to Gain in the Cultural and Geological Diversity of Our Global Heritage

“…Stones from Africa, Oceania, and other Asian areas, such as China and the Near and Middle East, remain unacknowledged in recognized scientific networks, even if European, Arabic, and Chinese architectural styles all emerged from long ancient civilizations. The stone-built heritage in countries such as Turkey [27,28], from which both Pavonazzetto marble and Urfa Limestone are published and described as candidates, have not yet been considered as important heritage stones in heritage; the heritage of Lebanon [29,30], Syria [31], Iraq [32], Israel [33], Jordan, [34], Palestine (where natural stone played an important role in the architecture of old cities in the mountain region, such as Jerusalem, Hebron, Bethlehem, and Nablus) [35,36], Saudi Arabia, other nations of the Arabian Peninsula [37], and Iran [38] is also as important as the heritage of the so-called occidental world. Unfortunately, some of these unrepresented areas are very unstable, with political conflicts (e.g., Syria, Iraq, and Palestine), natural hazards, such as earthquakes (e.g., Turkey), and anthropic hazards, such as wars and accidents (e.g., Taliban wars in Afghanistan, a gas explosion in Lebanon), frequently affecting communities.…”

Ecotourism through the perception of forest villagers: understanding via mediator effects using structural equation modeling

“…When studies on ecotourism and rural areas are examined, rural areas are seen to have positive effects on the physical and psychological health of urban individuals and to provide them with recreational and gastronomic opportunities, culture, etc. (Salem 2021 ). Global studies have been conducted on the importance of rural regions in terms of sustainable ecotourism and their roles in regional development.…”

Stone-Industry in Palestine: Bridging the Gap between Environmental Sustainability and Economical Value

“…This poses as a threat to people, livestock and wildlife alike. Salem (2021) investigates, analyses, and evaluates the status of the Stone and Marble Industry (SMI) in Palestine from different perspectives including geology, culture, socioeconomics, the environment, health, and legislation, with respect to SMI's sustainable development. The SMI's activities have negative impacts on green cover (trees and vegetation), thus producing large amounts of waste generated from its operation, including limestone waste and its impact on soil, water, public health and the environment in terms of air quality and green cover.…”