Legislative and Institutional Aspects as Basis for Sustainable Planning to Reduce Risk Disaster in the Palestinian Territories

The constant increase of population density has represented challenges to the existing natural resources. In addition, the natural disasters, especially in the third world countries, had a great deal of impact on both economic and political levels. These factors have slowed down the development process in these countries. Thus, preserving the natural resources and sustainable ecological planning in managing natural disasters have become crucial topics to planners and decision makers. The institutional and legislative efforts play a vital role and represent a solid base in conducting the sustainable planning required to minimize the risk of natural disasters; which can lead to the steady development of the infrastructure and society in the Palestinian areas. The methodology of this study was based on conducting interviews with representatives from relevant Palestinian ministries and institutions. During these interviews, the questions were designed to cover areas of planning and the reduction of natural disasters impact in these institutions. The conclusion of this study revealed that legislative deficiencies can be directly reflected on the institutional structures and performance. This in return prevents the sustainable development that is necessary to manage the risk of disasters as a national priority. This study also showed that Palestine possesses significant strength in areas of institutional and legislative levels that can be made into opportunities to support sustainable planning and development. Finally, the study demonstrated that Palestine is in desperate need to develop and amend relevant legislations as well as finding mechanisms to implement such legislations. It also highlights the need for institutional changes as well as improving the cooperation among themselves.