Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity

The Open Spaces Protection Fund serves as an offset for land develop- ment projects and therefore balances incentives and subsidies harmful to biodiversity [ ] 128 Safeguarding open spaces The main aims of the fund include re- habilitation, restoration and conserva- tion of open spaces, rivers and aquatic habitats, as well as land acquisition from private owners for the purpose of protection of open spaces with signifi- cant ecological value. It also addresses treatment and removal of environ- mental hazards, waste and invasive species, and area-based conservation of biodiversity and ecological corri- dors. Other activities are the collection and processing of data, and spatial planning of open spaces to ensure sus- tainable development and land use. The ILA issues an annual call for projects, which is open to both central and local government and academic institutions. To date, more than 300 projects nationwide have received funding out of a total sum of US$ 150 million. The Jordan River Slopes Restora- tion Project for the rehabilitation of the river is well underway with the support of the fund, resulting in the clearing of eroded soil, waste and other hazards, eradication of invasive plant species, and reclamation of the river banks. Water flow and water quality have also improved. Another project aims to eradicate the invasive plant species Acacia saligna from the Judean Hills. The fund allocated US$ 0.4 million for this five-year project, which began work in 2017. Restoration work has begun in the Sorek River Estuary, located near a large urban area and affected for many years by pollution, effluents and sewage, as well as mosquito infestation. Past use of harsh pesti- cides caused soil degradation and the collapse of the river banks. Ecological prevention methods are replacing pesticides and the pollution of the river has decreased significantly. Re- vitalization of a marsh area as part of this project supports a rich biodiver- sity of flora, invertebrates, amphibi- ans, fish, birds and mammals. The fund also supports ‘HaMaarag’, Israel’s National Nature Assessment Programme, which carries out data collection and monitoring by scien- tists and experts in natural and social sciences and economics. The Conservation of Open Spaces Fund is an example of a national achievement and success under the Convention on Biological Diversity. This economic tool and the relevant legislation will continue to be highly effective in supporting biodiversity in Israel. O ne of the major initiatives for mainstreaming biodiversity in Israel in recent years has been the Open Spaces Protection Fund. The fund was established in 2012 by the Israel Land Authority (ILA) to allocate funding for the restoration of open spaces and aquatic habitats, protection of endangered ecosystems, conservation of biodiversity and planning sustainable development. It serves as an offset for land development projects (mostly housing) and therefore balances incentives and subsidies harmful to biodiversity. Israel sees the fund and the activities it achieves as an integral part of the country’s progress towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. Jordan river slopes after restoration Albatros Israel