Thanks to your support SPNI was able to make a massive impact in communities across Israel: from our head offices at 2 Negev St. in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, to urban communities in large cities – Be’er Sheva, Modi’in, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Hadera, and Haifa; field study centers in different towns – Kiryat Shmona, Ma’alot, Sahnin, Ein Al Assad, Hura, Ramle, Lod, and Eilat; and our field schools: Hermon, Golan, Alon Tavor, Ahziv, Hof Hacarmel, Ofra, Har Hanegev, Shikmim, Ein Gedi, Hatzeva, and Eilat this year brought several significant achievements.
One example of public support for nature conservation was the tens of thousands of hikers who came out on Tu B’Shvat 2018 to our traditional event in the southern hills of Modi’in. This event reinforced the notion that the city of Modi’in, like others, deserves to have nature close to home and that the southern hills area should be protected from construction and development, while advancing alternatives to urban development that won’t harm nature.
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In February 2018, some 2,500 hikers came each weekend to familiarize themselves with the unique landscape of HaSharon Park near Hadera, making a clear statement that this area needs to be protected from construction and development.
In July 2018, many dozens of Jerusalem residents answered the call to demonstrate against construction on Rekhes Lavan, a plan that endangers the continued existence of the local springs. The demonstration did not achieve success, as things stand now; however, it appears that Jerusalemites will not give up easily, and neither will we!
A daring group of around 60 activists from Haifa decided to take the future of the coast into their own hands, joining the Rosh Carmel sea community, which was established at the initiative of SPNI’s Haifa community, together with Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA). Throughout the year, the activists conducted activities on shoreline and marine conservation in Shikmona Nature Reserve in Haifa.
Construction plans for the light rail in Tel Aviv-Jaffa failed to account for the stately trees that line Jerusalem Blvd.; residents and members of the SPNI community heeded the call and, thanks to public pressure, the construction plans were altered, saving the trees from being cut down.
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The Be’er Sheva community is also not giving up when it comes to nature; hundreds of residents are taking part in caring for Lon Forest, together with our community. A range of activities are being held for the enjoyment of the public and for conservation of urban nature, highlighting its importance to residents.
Thousands of teenagers took part in our hiking club activities throughout the country. These concerned young adults initiated a number of inspiring projects that influenced decision makers and the general public. They took on the battle to save the Jordan tributaries from drying up, promoting an internet petition and securing the publication of a lengthy article in the Maariv newspaper.
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Work in the Arab Sector
From North to South, we worked with the Arab community as well. This year, people of all ages enjoyed a range of activities run in partnership with various institutions. We ran educational programs for preschool and school children and worked together with the communities to create awareness of nature and the environment.
We experience your support and partnership every day. We hope that our partnership in 2019 will be a fertile and inspiring one, for our own sake and for nature in Israel.