IDMC assisted the five municipalities in Bethlehem region Bethlehem Beit Sahour Beit Jala Doha and khadar prepare comprehensive investment plans for developing the region through joint efforts between participating municipalities and the community. Public participation and stakeholders were as an essential element in the success of this project which was executed through meetings and workshops and evaluations using rapid participatory approach. rnOnce a project team was formed by a group of professionals all municipal area and IDMC consultants the team began the stakeholders’ analysis to identify the possibilities challenges opportunities and priorities. The analysis depended on qualitative and quantitative data: geographic economic and demographic data taking political constraints and human resources capacity into consideration. The analyses led to identify priorities and target areas to address development needs through individual projects in each community and joint projects among the five cities.rnThrough active discussions the formation of a common vision for the region was formed and considered as a basis for strategic objectives and action programs. For example three of these key objectives were: to develop the youth sector reviving tourism and maintain healthy environmental conditions. Accordingly one of the programs aimed at developing sport facilities in the region; another program to ensure the promotion of local traditional industries while a third joint program was designed to increase the effectiveness of the solid waste disposal. The project lasted for two yearsز