Our Achievements: 2020
Since its founding, SPNI has been involved in the battle to protect open landscapes. Protecting large, continuous, representative, and well-managed open spaces is the best way to preserve biodiversity and nature. As Israel becomes more and more populated, protecting open landscapes is not easy. As development demands increase, so does competition over the land.
Successes
Statutory protection of ecological corridors:
Following our work with planning institutions, this issue was advanced significantly in the last year, and currently each region has been requested to prepare a statutory plan for ecological corridors within its own jurisdiction.
Strategic plan for open landscapes:
During the last year, following our involvement, the Planning Administration promoted a strategic plan for open landscapes, which creates a significant additional protective buffer for the open landscapes, which do not currently have adequate protection.
Energy policy oriented toward nature conservation:
In the last year, we managed to implement a policy of increased renewable energy objectives, while reducing damage to nature conservation, by directing the policy towards built-up and already-developed areas.
Protecting Netiv HaAsarah Dunes:
The Netiv HaAsarah Dunes have been saved and will become a nature reserve that protects endangered wildlife living exclusively in the dunes. This land belongs to JNF-KKL, who wanted to convert 800 dunams (80 ha) of natural landscapes to agricultural areas and greenhouses. Thanks to the objection we submitted, together with INPA, the Southern Regional Planning and Building Committee decided to prioritize a nature reserve.
Stopping the plan to establish an industrial zone at Oron:
After an uncompromising campaign, the Planning Administration issued a statement, effectively canceling the Israel Lands Authority plan to establish a new industrial zone in Oron Valley in the Negev. Thus, we managed to prevent critical damage to a region located in the heart of the Biblical landscape. In our opinion, this region should be supported by desert tourism that views nature and its landscapes as an asset and not as a burden.
Establishing a coalition against construction in Sha’ar Shomron:
The collaborative work of a determined group of activists called “Saving Raba Stream”, aiming to protect a valuable and unique area located in the country’s center, at the heart of the national ecological corridor, has so far managed to delay the plan. In the next year, we will continue trying to remove this plan from the agenda.
Establishing a coalition against construction in the Valley of Peace:
Yokneam municipality is interested in expanding its area of jurisdiction in order to build next to the Valley of Peace, a very ecologically vulnerable area that is designated for protection, and used by many for recreation and leisure. This motion has already received approval from the Borders Committee that recommended transferring the land to Yokneam. In the light of this real threat, we are spearheading a broad coalition leading public and professional opposition, with the aim of preventing the transfer of this sensitive land for the expansion of Yokneam, in the light of more sustainable alternatives for the city’s development.
Preventing the construction of a military road on Mt. Hermon:
This year we managed to thwart the military’s plan to pave a road through the Mt. Hermon Nature Reserve, one of the most ecologically important and valuable areas in Israel.
Challenges:
Railway to Eilat:
The plan to construct a railway track to Eilat is again being considered. The driver for this plan is the new peace agreements with the Gulf States.. A few years ago, we stopped the last attempt to realize this plan after publishing an interdisciplinary report with many experts, clearly showing that the project will not achieve its objectives, but rather will cause enormous environmental damage. Our report has been the main factor stopping the project from proceeding to date. However, with the new geopolitical reality it looks like we’ll be fighting on this issue again.
The Gulf of Eilat:
Following the peace agreements with the Gulf States, EAPC (Europe Asia Pipeline Company) has renewed its goal to transport crude oil through the Gulf of Eilat, which is liable to critically damage the reef in the Gulf of Eilat – a reef with great international importance. Additionally, Israel has initiated the installation of a gas pipeline from the country’s center to Eilat, to enable gas exports. These two threats, combined with the plan for a canal port for the train, casts a heavy shadow on the future of Eilat as a location known for its natural appeal, especially the Gulf. In the next year we will lead a broad coalition to prevent these projects and strengthen the city’s image as a city of tourism and recreation based on its natural beauty.
Secondary airport at Nevatim:
The final decision regarding the preferred location for a new airport is due to be made in the next year by the National Planning and Building Council and the government. We are part of a broad, unanimous front with a clear preference for establishing it at Nevatim, due to social-environmental and economic considerations. This year we will continue acting within the context of this broad coalition in order to bring about the correct decision to build the airport at Nevatim, and not at Ramat David in the Jezreel Valley.
New Majdal:
A plan is being promoted in the northern region to expand Majdal Shams into one of the most botanically and geologically sensitive and unique areas in Israel, Mt. Keta. We believe there are other alternatives that can provide a solution for the settlement’s needs and we will continue our campaign to promotes these and protect this valuable land.