Economic Profile of Ramallah-Al-Beireh Metropolitan Area, MRBB Pilot Project.

Project Overview

Fundamental changes have occurred in the west bank and Gaza strip since 1995. For instance, the main urban centers, including the twin cities of Ramallah and Al-Bireh, have witnessed major challenges and also new opportunities. The rapid changes in political processes, demographical and socioeconomic conditions have created a substantial pressure and these urban agglomerations require serious attention and a wider view.Within this context, Ministry of Planning & Administrative Development (MoPAD) and Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) have collaborated in implementing “Model Projects" within a framework of Physical Planning and Institution Building Project. MoLG was the responsible body for the execution of a module project titled "Metropolitan Planning of Ramallah /Al-Bireh Area" MRBB, funded by NORAD. The main objective of this project was to develop a detailed and comprehensive economic profile for the Metropolitan Ramallah – Al Bireh, Beitonia area, through achieving the following sub- objectives: review the available literature(documents and plans), update and collect needed data and information, conduct an integrated data analysis (master plans, bylaws and guidelines that effect the socio-economic fabric of the area) , All of this toward development of an integrated evaluation report about the management of economic resources through planning, identify relevant key characteristics for the metropolitan area, and provide effective recommendations for a set of activities aiming to removing barriers that would hinder the implementation of MRBB Project. For that purpose and to implement this model project in professional and effective manner, NORAD has contracted GCT to carry out this project for the benefit of MoLG.