KKL-JNF Embraces the Negev, its People and the Desert Environment
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael Jewish National Fund Jerico
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En Gedi Netivot
Ofakim Be’er Sheva Arad
Pit'hat Shalom
Dimona
Yeroham Making the wilderness
Kadesh Barne’a bloom, improving the soil, planting gardens Nitsana Sede Boker JORDAN and forests … all this is more than the State
Hatseva of Israel can do on its own… this mighty task requires an all out Mitspe Ramon effort by the entire
Sapir people – and the people’s most reliable
T P Y G E KKL-JNF and efficient agent in FootprintsF greening the Paran wilderness is the inin the Negev Jewish National Fund. / { David Ben-Gurion, early 1950s.
LEGEND KKL-JNF Action Areas
Forestry / Negev 2011 Savannization ” Israeli population 7.7 million Community 15% in the Negev Development Yotvata & Agriculture Tourism & Recreation
Water Management Research & Development
Education
Eilat
RED SEA KKL-JNF Embraces thee Negev,
There are two ways to its People and the Desert Environment contend with the desert: fight it or take advantage of its unique qualities for the The Negev has always been on KKL-JNF's agenda. If greater good. The real desert anyone has clung tenaciously to David Ben-Gurion's is to be found within people, vision for the Negev – and helped fulfill it as well, it not in nature. is definitely KKL-JNF. At times we have the whole country behind us; at others, priorities move President Shimon Peres at the elsewhere. But for us at KKL-JNF the Negev is opening ceremony of the annual always a priority and making Ben-Gurion's vision a Arava Agricultural Exhibition in reality is an integral part of our work. the Negev, February 2009.
Developing the Negev is a dynamic process. Over the years concepts have changed – from Ben-Gurion's view of “wrestling fertility from the wasteland” to our integrated vision of a Negev that preserves Israel’s open spaces, provides a refuge from crowded central Israel, and combines many different cultures and lifestyles – in short – the Israel of tomorrow!
Making our vision a reality is challenging and cannot be rushed. The Negev, with its unique qualities, has to be developed with care, love and a feel for the future. If we are to ensure that the Negev will still be here for our children and progress from being Israel's backyard to becoming its showcase, we cannot give up. Come join us on a tour through the Negev of tomorrow – a tomorrow coming ever closer with your help and support.
4 5 Our Vision – Moving Forward withh the Negev
into the TheThe NNegev Negev is is a amajor major ch challenge for us at KKL-JNF: We Join us and: dod nnoto see barren expanses of desert, we see t Support R&D stations, whose research opportunities.opppoo facilitates agriculture in the arid conditions of the Future! t OpportunitiesO for new communities and new Negev and the Arava. ececonomicco enterprises. t Support the development of new water t OpportunitiesOpp for providing the children of the treatment facilities that bring life to inhabitants of NNeNegevgevg v withw a good education and developing sources the region. off inincome.e t Support land reclamation for housing and agriculture in new and existing Negev In thithishis regregion,giionn, withwithh itsits harshhaarrshh t Opportunitiespor ies forf studying the unique Negev communities. climclimate,te,, 4460 farms produceuc 60% eecosystem and developing it sustainably. ofo Israel’ssraraaeel fresh vegetables.es. They t Support sustainable tourism ventures based on also producee forfo export. Agricultureurre Sincece before the establishment of the State of Israel we the unique Negev ecosystem, landscape and enables residentssidde of the Arava to survive.uur have plplayed a major role in developing the Negev: history. redeeming and reclaiming land, preparing This isw hywhy KKL-JNF supports Yairi and Support change-making projects in the main infrastructure for new and existing communities, t other R&D stations throughout Israel.r population centers of the Negev. Our commitment to the Arava doese not funding significant research. In short, we are in the Support the battle against erosion and end with the R&D stations. We provide Negev to stay – now and forever. We need your t desertification. local residents with the infrastructure that support to continue our important work. Join us and enables them to live on the land. We build make a difference, help us put the Negev at the head of water treatment facilities, fish breeding the country! pools and greenhouses. We pave roads and develop tourist sites like the Peace Road, Sapir Park and Timna Park. This is KKL-JNF’s way of life. This, in our opinion, is the most sublime expression of the word ‘Zionism’. KKL-JNF sees the settlement of the land, particularly in those regions of the country that are distant from the central region, as one of the cornerstones of the Zionist vision.
KKL-JNF World Chairman Efi Stenzler at the Arava Agricultural Exhibition, February 2009.
6 Support us in creating a better Negev, a better Israel and a better world! KKL-JNF Involvement in the NEGEV 2015 Plan
On March 31, 2005 the Israeli government voted has already increased by 7200 people. The Israeli andand provideprovide many more employmentemployment to develop and strengthen the Negev by improving government has also launched a program offeringg opportunities.opportunities. living conditions, raising the standard of young families free farming land in Negev education, improving transportation and communities. Another major project now Development of the new high-tech park planned developing a socially active and contributing underway is the relocation of all the IDF bases to for Be’er Sheva, a project that will provide community. KKL-JNF representatives played a the Negev, a move which will eventually increase thousands of new jobs, is progressing and the first major role in formulating the National Strategic the population in the area by some 80,000 people buildings will become functional in the near Plan for the Development of the Negev – NEGEV future. 2015 – bringing to it our unique environmental outlook. Transportation to and from the Negev has also improved: The Cross-Israel Highway has been The government determined a number of targets extended, shortening the trip to and from the area to be achieved by 2015: significantly and the government has approved the 1) Increase population by 70%; railway line between Ashkelon and Be’er Sheva. 2) Raise employment by 83%; Many young people are now expressing an interest 3) Reduce the per capita income gap by 60%; in the Negev and the Israeli government is helping 4) Increase the number of Jewish students at with low-cost housing in existing communities Ben-Gurion University of the Negev by 30% and that will grow stronger thanks to the influx of the number of Bedouin students by 130%. young, highly motivated, well educated people.
Things are already happening in the Negev. New Additional fields the Israeli government is active communities such as Be’er Orah, Tsukim, Be’er in: planning the Red Sea-Dead Sea Canal, Milka, Karmit, Shlomit, Giv’ot Bar, Haruv, Sansana investing in developing alternative energy sources and Naveh / Bene Netsarim (Halutsit and continued development of Nahal Be’er Sheva. communities) were established. In existing communities, such as Dimona, Yeroham and Omer, real estate values are rising and housing is in great demand. As a result, the Negev population
8 9 >> KKL-JNF and Friends – Rolling Back the Desert
Forestry
KKL-JNF, historically committed to strengthening the ties between man and land, has been creating Israel's forest resources and leading successful efforts to ensure the legislative protection of open spaces. We plant new forests and manage existing ones, we tend native woodland and restore ancient orchards, and we combat desertification and improve the carbon balance in the environment.
Once, we believed in “greening” the Negev – today, we are world renowned experts in savannization, or dry land afforestation – how to create a fertile desert while at the same time preserving the unique desert ecosystem. We plant single trees or clusters of trees in areas where climatic conditions do not permit woodlands or shrubs to grow without substantial human intervention. Their growth relies on advanced water harvesting techniques that capture runoff rainwater in ridges, depressions, terraces and limans (tree clusters planted in micro-catchments).
Recent Activity: SomeSome examples examples of oourur llatesta work in this field: Dvira, Yatir, Hiran, Mishmar HaNegev, Kramim, Be'eri
Donation OpportuOpportunities:unities:unit
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Water Management
Israel is facing its most severe water shortage in nearly a century. Five consecutive years of drought have deprived its natural water sources of sufficient replenishment, while a growing population and a rising standard of living have led to a sharp increase in consumption. For more than three decades, KKL-JNF has partnered with Israel’s water agencies and local authorities to increase water availability, building dams to harvest flood- waters and water management facilities to store floodwater and treated wastewater, thus stretching Israel’s water supply at these times of water crises.
In the Negev Israel’s water problem is even more severe as a result of the desert climate. KKL-JNF built 75 water treatment facilities in the Negev, for harvesting floodwaters and storing recycled water pumped in from northern Israel. The water is used to irrigate crops in the Negev and Arava and forestry projects.
Recent Activity: SomeSome eexamplesxamples of oourur llatestate work in this field include the following water treatment facilities: Betarim, Lakhish, Bet Guvrin, Hatserim, Nevatim, Mitspe Ramon, Tifrah, Sderot, Or HaNer, Shomriya and the Arye Pools.
Donation Opportunities:
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Recent Activity:
Some examples of our latest work in this the Nahal Shikma, Nahal HaBesor and Lahav routes. Community Development field: | Land reclamation for new communi- Bicycle trails: Gevar’am, Shokeda, Be'eri, Shahariya, ties: Naveh / Bene Netsarim (Halutsit communities), Lahav, Yatir, Timna and Eilat Tourist infrastructures Tsukim, Shlomit, Karmit, Haruv. | Expanding in Negev communities: Tsukim, Yahel, Lotan and ThroughoutTh its history, KKL-JNF has been vital in theth establishment and development of over 1000 existing communities: Yotvata, Kadesh Barne'a, Nevatim. A greener environment for Israeli soldiers communitiesco all over Israel. Today, it continues to Ashalim, En Yahav, Paran, Tsofar, Idan | Land and their visiting families at IDF bases: Eilat, Ashdod, playpl a central role in creating and supporting veteran reclamation for agriculture: Naveh / Bene Netsa- Lehavim, Plugot, Mitspe Ramon and Sede Boker. andan new communities alike. Community develop- { } rim (Halutsit communities), Tsofar, Paran, Yotvata, Change-generating projects: Nahal Be'er Sheva Park, mentm is much more than creating the physical base forfo housing. It is about enhancing the quality of life Idan, Be'er Milka. | Land reclamation for Ofakim Park, Sderot Park, Arad Park, Ben Gurion by creating urban and rural parks, developing tourism: Scenic and heritage routes: ANZAC Trail, Park in Dimona, and Yeroham Park. prprojects that lead to greater employment and creat- ining agricultural infrastructure, all of which bring ececonomic viability to newly developed areas.
ThThe high population density in the center of the cocountry, the accompanying strain it places on public seservices, quality of life and the environment, has led ththe government of Israel to declare the development of Israel’s northern and southern regions to be one of iitsts highest priorities, with KKL-JNF playing a major aanandn varied role in this endeavor.
Donation Opportunities:
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Environment
KKL-JNFK continues to lead the quest for a better andan healthier environment – with large open spaces, greengr forests and recreation areas, and respect for theth natural and cultural heritage of our country.
In the Negev, our work is particularly complex and as varied as the desert ecosystems. The fragile desert ecosystemec requires a light hand and an open mind forfo development to succeed, while still preserving thisth special region. One of the major challenges we facefa is erosion, which causes damage to the fragile desertde landscape and harms its unique plants and wildlife.w KKL-JNF is actively involved in controlling soilso erosion in many parts of the Negev.
Recent Activity: SomeSome examples examples of oourur llatesta work in this field: | An advanced firefighting system: early warning fire watchtowers, fire trucks and an expert staff. | Constructed wetlands: Dimona and Ne'ot Semadar. | From nuisance to resource: Duda’im Landfill Visitor Center. | Alternative energy initiatives: KKL-JNF is an active participant in looking for alternative energy }{ opportunities. | Ornithological parks: Lotan and Eilat.
Donation Opportunities:
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Recent Activity: SomeSome examples examples of oourur llatesta work in this field: | Supporting populations with special needs: a village for youth-at-risk in Kedma, the therapeutic riding farm at Grofit, infrastructure and landscaping at ALUT Education (autistic children and youth) and AKIM (physical disabili- ties) schools. | Landscaping schoolyards: Shomriya, KKL-JNF’s educational programs are very popular Ofakim (Neve Yokheved ), Eshkol Regional Council (Nofe in Israel and are a major component in improving the educational system in peripheral areas. Thanks Besor). | Restoring ancient and historical buildings: to these programs young people learn to know and Nirim synagogue, historical Bet Eshel, Ben-Gurion's Hut appreciate their environment. We are particularly at Sede Boker. | ''MAOF'' – the Hebrew word for vision – }{ active in the Negev with young people from Israel is the acronym of KKL-JNF's innovative environmental and abroad to acquaint them with the area and emphasize its preservation. program aimed at new immigrant students and peripheral communities: Dimona, Ofakim, Mitspe Ramon, Kiryat Mal'akhi and Be’er Sheva. | Other educational projects: the educational center at Nitsana and our renowned orienteering groups.
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Tourism & Recreation
Israel has a wealth of tourist sites that attract millions of visitors. The Negev has Israel's only concentration of large open spaces – wilderness areas – where large mammals and unique birds make their home. It also has beautiful oases – patches of green in the stark desert, as well as many fascinating archaeological sites.
At KKL-JNF we take advantage of these unique Negev features to develop and support tourism and tourist-related ventures for the benefit of the people of the area. We make an effort to ensure that as many projects as possible are accessible to people with disabilities.
Recent Activity: Some examples of our latest work in this field: | Scenic routes and forest picnic areas: Ibbim, Shaha- riya, Be'eri, Yatir and Duda'im. | Parks: Eshkol Park, Golda Park, Nahal Be'er Sheva Park, the Eilat Birdwatching Park and Sapir Park. | Agricultural-Security-Tourism Roads: roads in the Northern Negev and the Arava. | Eco-parks: Yahel, Lotan and Ne'ot Semadar. | Reaching out to the public: KKL-JNF Green Group, the KKL-JNF }{ website, ''Green Israel'' in the Jerusalem Post , public events in forests, natnature activities for the whole family.
Donation Opportunities:
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Sharing Our Knowledge
At KKL-JNF we support research, both in Israel and Recent Activity: worldwide, on ways to make arid areas more habit- SomeSome eexamplesxamples of oourur llatesta work in this field: able and productive, thus halting and even reversing desertification. The development of innovative | Participation in international conferences COP15, water-harvesting techniques has enabled KKL-JNF COP16, International Conference on Combating Desertifica- to share this knowledge and create a positive global tion. | Regional agricultural R&D stations in Israel’s impact. We also work closely with academic institu- tions in Israel supporting research projects such as peripheral regions for the benefit of farmers and the the Weizmann Institute project in Yatir Forest, with environment: Besor, Ramat Negev, Central Arava and global implications. Southern Arava. | Savannization: finding the most }{ suitable species for desert afforestation, optimal water use Were David Ben-Gurion alive today he would be proud of us. All over the world, in arid and semi- in desert areas, the effect of savannization on global arid countries, desertification is a pressing problem warming (Yatir Forest). as a result of over-exploitation, a process which is exacerbated by climatic changes.
Donation Opportunities:
NegevNegev R&R&D&D ((n(newew ccrops,ropps, AravaArava a R&R&DD ((o(organicrgganiicc JoJJointint reresearchsearchh wwithiith ththee JointJoJoint reresearchsearchh wwithiith KKL-JNFKKKLL-JNJ F ffoforestryresttryy SaSavannizationvavannn iizattiion reresearchsearchh vegetables,vegettables, bibiologicalollogiicall ppestest farming,farmiing, ddesert-adaptedesertt-addaptted BGBGUU ((s(soiloiil ererosion,osiion, WeizmannWeiizmann IInstitutenstittutte research:researchh: sosoil,il, control)control) cropcrop strains)strains) rrunoffunoff manmanagement)agement) (Yatir(Yatir Forest – glglobalobal grazing,grazing, humanhuman-plant-plant 22{ warming) relations }23 The Negev – Facts & Figures
● The Negev extends over 12,000 square kilometers – 60 percent of the State of Israel – from Be'er Sheva to Eilat. ● The Negev forms part of a much larger desert that stretches from Egypt through the southern part of Israel to Jordan and Saudi Arabia. ● The Negev has a long and interesting human history, from pre-historic hunters who roamed the area over 10,000 years ago, through Biblical times, the Nabateans, the Romans, the Bedouins, and finally modern settlement since the establishment of the State of Israel. ● Average annual precipitation varies from 250 mm in the Northern Negev to 25 mm in the Eilat area. ● As in all deserts, the difference in temperature between day and night is remarkable. In summer temperatures of 38° Celsius are common in the daytime, but at night the mercury falls to 13° Celsius – colder than in central and northern Israel. ● It can be very cold in the higher parts of the Negev in winter – temperatures of 5° Celsius are not rare, and the mountain tops are sometimes speckled with snow. ● Although it comprises more than half of Israel's land area, only 8 percent of the country’s population lives in the Negev. ● There are 6 cities, 7 local councils and 10 regional councils in the Negev. Be'er Sheva is the largest city and is known as the capital of the Negev.
~ Visit us at Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael Jewish National Fund
KKL Resources & Development Division Projects & Marketing Department Jerusalem, 2011