Environment

SO DRAINING THE SWAMPS WASN’T SUCH A GOOD IDEA AFTER ALL…

Children from the town of Lakiya participate in a public initiative to tackle local environmental issues.

In a space smaller than New Jersey, seven million people are building a country faster than its resources can sustain. The Israeli environment is threatened by water shortages, headlong development of remaining green spaces and severe industrial pollution.

Israel was environmentally degraded by the time of the First Aliyah – deforestation and years of neglect had taken their toll. The development of agriculture and new urban centers in the 20th century, in addition to some well-intentioned mistakes like draining wetlands, have all combined to make Israel an environmental disaster waiting to happen.

Amiad Lapidot started Eretz Carmel to promote environmental sustainability in Israel. His Compost HaKerem project is helping reduce Israel’s overwhelming garbage problem.

In its strategic partnership with other foundations, NIF sponsors the Green Environment Fund to spearhead environmental activism and accomplishment throughout Israel. The story of one of our victories, saving thousands of acres outside Jerusalem from development, can be found here. Our work on environmental justice issues unites hundreds of community activists determined to preserve their health and that of their families from dangerous landfills, illegal dumping and air- and waterborne pollutants.

If you care about sustainable development in California, acid rain in New York or saving the Everglades in Florida, think about supporting our work in a tiny country, with a fragile environment that is even more at risk.