Unprecedented environmental challenges require new tools. Knowledge based on scientific research is critical for the creation of environmental awareness and education in order to bring about behavioural changes in society at large. Well-structured museums and botanical gardens in developing countries can play significant roles in research, education, and conservation even when governmental institutions are weak and underfunded. Prof. Qumsiyeh presents a case study of the nascent Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability and Palestine Museum of Natural History with a botanical garden at Bethlehem University that has a mission to research, educate about, and conserve our natural world, culture and heritage and use knowledge to promote responsible human interactions with our environment. Despite some limitations and challenges, we show this as a successful model that could be replicated in other impoverished communities.