BURIED, BUT STILL BREATHING —
THE REVIVAL OF WADI GAZA
Wadi Gaza stands as both a geographic entity and a living metaphor for the resilience of the Palestinian people. Once an essential and thriving wetland along the Eastern Mediterranean, the valley has endured decades of environmental degradation and destruction due to Israeli blockades, water restrictions, and regional neglect. However, despite being buried under layers of sewage and waste, the valley remains alive, much like the people who inhabit its surroundings. This project aims to explore the historical trajectory of Wadi Gaza, drawing parallels between its cycle of destruction and revival and the perseverance of Palestinian culture and history. Through a combination of film, architectural drawings, maps, and oral testimonies, this project captures the various stages of Wadi Gaza’s transformation—its past vitality, its present struggle, and its potential for renewal. By weaving together environmental history and social narratives, the project underscores Wadi Gaza’s significance not only as an ecological landmark but also as a symbol of Palestinian endurance and hope.
EVOLUTION OF WADI GAZA
Wadi Gaza, one of the most crucial coastal wetlands in the Eastern Mediterranean, once thrived as a biodiversity ecosystem supporting both flora and fauna. Originating from the Hebron Mountains and flowing through Gaza into the Mediterranean Sea, the Wadi historically provided clean water, supported fisheries, and served as a critical stopover for migratory birds traveling between Africa, Europe, and Asia. This valley—spanning approximately nine kilometres in length—was integral to sustaining life in Gaza’s densely populated landscape.
However, Israeli restrictions, including severe limitations on water flow, coupled with inadequate local enforcement, have transformed the valley into a wasteland of pollution. For years, untreated wastewater has contaminated its waters, stripping it of its former vitality. The destruction extends beyond the environment; it mirrors the political and social struggles of the Palestinian people, whose access to natural resources and movement has been systematically restricted.
SYMBOL OF RESILIENCE
Despite these challenges, efforts to rehabilitate Wadi Gaza have begun to show signs of promise. In 2021, wastewater treatment initiatives improved water quality, leading to the return of fish and the reappearance of migratory birds. For many Palestinians, these small yet significant signs of renewal serve as a beacon of hope, proof that revival is possible even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The architectural drawings explore this narrative of resilience. We see the extensive destruction of the Wadi Gaza area, emphasising the physical and environmental toll of decades of occupation and neglect. The second zooms into Nusierat Camp, capturing the intimate details of destruction. The third, in contrast, highlights the richness of the land, depicting the flora and fauna that continue to persist despite the challenges. These visual analyses serve as powerful testaments to both the devastation and the enduring spirit of the land and its people.
REVIVAL — RETURN
Beyond environmental restoration, the revitalization of Wadi Gaza holds profound social and economic implications.
A renewed Wadi Gaza could provide essential recreational spaces, offer economic opportunities through conservation efforts, and improve the quality of life for thousands of residents. The valley, once cleansed of pollution, could serve as a sanctuary where people can walk, breathe, and reconnect with the land that has long been an inseparable part of heritage.
Through oral histories, testimonies of displacement, and memories of a once-thriving landscape, the project underscores the intergenerational longing for return. Wadi Gaza, in its struggle and resurgence, stands as a living embodiment of the Palestinian people’s unyielding hope for a future where both the land and its people will flourish again. As Abu Salman, a resident of Nusreit camp, reflects:
“Yet despite being buried under layers of sewage and waste the valley is still alive.”
