Biodiversity
Israel's National Biodiversity Plan grew out of the country's commitment under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and out of a government decision on a “Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development in Israel” (Decision Number 246, dated May 14th 2003, Appendix 1). In its decision, the Government resolved that its policy shall be “based on the principles of sustainable development practice in Israel that combine a dynamic economy, wise use of natural resources, and protection of the ecosystems...” Based on these principles, every government ministry was required to prepare a “Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development that shall include an action plan, means of implementation...” in areas specific to each and every ministry. For example, the action plan of the Ministry of National Infrastructure was required to "set standards for regular water supply for the preservation of nature and landscape..., and supply of water to nature.” The action plan of the Ministry of Tourism was required to include planning and development of “environment-sensitive” tourism while “preserving open and sensitive areas.... protecting flora and fauna and efficiently and wisely using natural resources.” The Ministry of Environmental Protection's action plan specifically related to biodiversity, namely: to “taking steps toward halting the deterioration of biodiversity and toward rehabilitation of ecosystems harmed by human activity" and "taking action to maintain acceptable environmental conditions...for all residents and for the development of animals and plants.” Furthermore, the decision specifically designated the Ministry of Environmental Protection as the ministry responsible for accompanying and helping to consolidate the strategic plan in its entirety.
“Biological diversity” goes beyond the literal meaning of these two words. It is at the base of the conceptual framework that integrates “ecosystems, natural resources and economy,” as stated in the beginning of the government decision on sustainable development. In light of this, and in line with this government decision, the Ministry of Environmental Protection initiated the preparation of “Israel's National Biodiversity Plan.” (Shacham)
Citation:
Menachem Zaluzki and Emmanuelle Cohen-Shacham. "Israel's National Biodiversity Plan." Sviva. Department of Landscape and Biodiversity, Ministry of Environmental Protection, 2010. Web. 22 Sept. 2013. <http://www.cbd.int/iyb/doc/celebrations/iyb-israel-sviva-plan-en.pdf>.
“Biological diversity” goes beyond the literal meaning of these two words. It is at the base of the conceptual framework that integrates “ecosystems, natural resources and economy,” as stated in the beginning of the government decision on sustainable development. In light of this, and in line with this government decision, the Ministry of Environmental Protection initiated the preparation of “Israel's National Biodiversity Plan.” (Shacham)
Citation:
Menachem Zaluzki and Emmanuelle Cohen-Shacham. "Israel's National Biodiversity Plan." Sviva. Department of Landscape and Biodiversity, Ministry of Environmental Protection, 2010. Web. 22 Sept. 2013. <http://www.cbd.int/iyb/doc/celebrations/iyb-israel-sviva-plan-en.pdf>.