Israel and the Environment

Biogeographical Diversity

Though only 470 kilometers from North to South, Israel boasts a wide range of biogeographical regions. Between the snowy slopes of Mount Hermon in the north and the southern coral reefs in the Gulf of Eilat, lie arid desert, lush oases, Mediterranean woods, and the lowest point on earth—the Dead Sea. Israel is located at the crossroads of three continents and has endured large climatic changes over its history, accounting for the diversity of species within the region. Israel is home to some 2,600 plant species (150 of which are indigenous to Israel), 7 amphibian, 500 bird, and 100 mammal species.

Israel possesses one of the world’s largest assortments of wild wheat, barley, oat, and legumes. Israel’s forests feature a diverse and exotic collection of tree species, including Jerusalem pines, oaks, carobs, terbinths, cypresses, Judas trees, acacias, olive and almond trees, and eucalyptuses.

Environmental Protection and Conservation

Israel maintains a serious commitment to nature conservation and protection. Concern for all living things and prohibitions against environmental degradation may be traced back to biblical sources. The first chapters of the Book of Genesis emphasize the vital link between humanity (adam) and the earth (adamah) and introduce the concept of stewardship by enjoining man to work the earth and to watch over it. Israel's rebirth in modern times was sparked by this age-old commitment of the people to their land.

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), the country’s largest non-governmental environment organization, has been instrumental in raising public awareness of nature and environmental protection. Founded in 1953, SPNI has initiated dozens of campaigns aimed at the protection of unique Israeli landscapes, wildlife, natural environment, and open spaces, from the adverse effects of development.

In 1995, Israel created a new afforestation master plan, which recognized the status of forests as both recreational areas as well as the site of vital natural vegetation, biological diversity, and open spaces. The plan called for a total of 162,000 hectares of woodlands and open areas—over 15% of Israel’s total land area north of Be’er Sheva, where the majority of the Israeli population lives.

The Israeli government has designated 105 tracts of land, or 3% of the 205 square kilometer Mediterranean region, and nearly 20% of the desert region as protected nature reserves, many of which overlap with land used for military training. The main issue facing Israel in her nature conservation efforts is habitat fragmentation.

In the south, the desert ecosystem is threatened by development plans. Work is being done to map out the country’s remaining open spaces and determine their environmental vulnerability. The plan is to appropriate areas in which economic expansion, road construction, tourism, and livestock grazing will not destroy Israel’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

No longer can Israel maintain the “conquering the desert” philosophy that characterized the development of the region in the early days of colonization and independence. Israel must now take on a new open space conservation policy.

Israel’s air quality has been greatly affected by the country’s recent increase in energy production, industry, and transportation. Low sulfur fuel has been introduced to combat sulfur dioxide concentrations, but automotive pollutant emissions have increased dramatically, playing a major role in the deterioration of the country’s quality of air. Israel has taken steps to lessen sulfur dioxide output by initiating the use of lead-free gasoline, catalytic converters, and diesel fuel with lower sulfur content. In addition, Israel acts in accordance with international resolutions on ozone depletion and climate change.

Over the last few decades, Israel has experienced a rapid growth in population, standard of living, and consumption. The country’s development has led to a 4%-5% annual increase in solid waste. Environmentally conscious landfills have come to replace illegal garbage dumps and a solid waste management policy is being introduced. It will focus on reduction of waste, recycling, recovery, and incineration.

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