An-Najah University Journal for Research - A (Natural Sciences)

Article info

In Press

Keywords

• Palestine
• National
• Connectivity
• Border
• Crossing;
• Landlocked;
• Sustainable
• Inland
• Transport
• Indicators;
• Connectivity;
• Sustainability;

Abstract

This research investigates the dynamics of national connectivity, with an emphasis on its implications for economic, social, and environmental aspects. A review of the literature reveals that globally, there is no standard way of measuring connectivity, which drove the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe to create the Sustainable Inland Transport Connectivity Indicators (SITCIN). This novel approach consists of a range of indicators spread across 40 thematic clusters to evaluate sustainability. The focus shifts to Palestine, where road transport dominates while plans are underway for multimodal transportation systems. The distinct political setting in Palestine characterized by different levels of control over land, roads, and borders necessitates an adapted methodology for diagnosing and analyzing the national linkage process. Based on the data collected from official sources, questionnaires for thirteen key stakeholders, and interviews, indicators were identified, and the data were collected. Palestine’s SITCIN analysis showed a moderate weighted sustainability score of 42.7%, which indicates socioeconomic-political limitations. The safety and security, infrastructure, and transportation of perishable goods/dangerous materials have relatively higher scores, whereas intermodality and environmental sustainability face considerable challenges. The study recommends investing in individual and organizational capabilities, embracing technological advancements, comprehensive multimodal transport planning, environmental monitoring, and road safety initiatives. Furthermore, stringent regulation of emissions and vehicle noise, establishment of a centralized transportation databank, and streamlined information exchange among pertinent authorities are also recommended. This study underscores the necessity of periodic updates to SITCIN indicators to align with the evolving transport landscape.

معلومات المقال

قيد النشر

الكلمات الإفتتاحية

• Palestine
• National
• Connectivity
• Border
• Crossing;
• Landlocked;
• Sustainable
• Inland
• Transport
• Indicators;
• Connectivity;
• Sustainability;

الملخص

This research investigates the dynamics of national connectivity, with an emphasis on its implications for economic, social, and environmental aspects. A review of the literature reveals that globally, there is no standard way of measuring connectivity, which drove the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe to create the Sustainable Inland Transport Connectivity Indicators (SITCIN). This novel approach consists of a range of indicators spread across 40 thematic clusters to evaluate sustainability. The focus shifts to Palestine, where road transport dominates while plans are underway for multimodal transportation systems. The distinct political setting in Palestine characterized by different levels of control over land, roads, and borders necessitates an adapted methodology for diagnosing and analyzing the national linkage process. Based on the data collected from official sources, questionnaires for thirteen key stakeholders, and interviews, indicators were identified, and the data were collected. Palestine’s SITCIN analysis showed a moderate weighted sustainability score of 42.7%, which indicates socioeconomic-political limitations. The safety and security, infrastructure, and transportation of perishable goods/dangerous materials have relatively higher scores, whereas intermodality and environmental sustainability face considerable challenges. The study recommends investing in individual and organizational capabilities, embracing technological advancements, comprehensive multimodal transport planning, environmental monitoring, and road safety initiatives. Furthermore, stringent regulation of emissions and vehicle noise, establishment of a centralized transportation databank, and streamlined information exchange among pertinent authorities are also recommended. This study underscores the necessity of periodic updates to SITCIN indicators to align with the evolving transport landscape.