Achieving Impact
Thanks to the generous support of Nature Israel’s donors, SPNI has been able to make many significant achievements. With your support, we can maintain the momentum and do even more.
Recent Accomplishments
Protecting
Endangered Birds
A large-scale public campaign led to a ban on sport hunting of two endangered bird species, the turtledove and the quail, and prohibited the use of sound traps for hunting.
Promoting Marine
Protection
Expansion of the Rosh HaNikra Nature Reserve has added another 1% to the total protected area of Israel’s territorial waters, and planning authorities have approved the Rosh Carmel Marine Reserve.
Cleaning Up
Israel
New approaches to deal with Israel’s litter problems include developing an app to drive systemic change by enabling members of the public to make real-time reports on a neighborhood’s cleanliness and spur municipalities to compete with each other.
Establishing the Nitzanim
Sands Nature Reserve
The last remaining open area of sand, 5,250 acres ( 21,000 dunams) on the coastal plain, which attracts tens of thousands of travelers a year, was in danger of being destroyed.
Ensuring Fish
Reproduction
Established procedures and regulations for restricting fishing periods, in alignment with breeding seasons, to allow fish to reproduce.
Initiating Start-Up
Nature Project
A bold venture to lease abandoned agricultural areas and rewild them, transforming them into wetlands for migrating birds and other biodiversity. They will become wildlife sanctuaries and eco-tourism attractions.
70 Years of Environmental Impact
1953-1993
Revived Hula Wetlands
Previously drained wetlands were reflooded and returned to nature, allowing breeding grounds for hundreds of species.
1955
Preserved Coral Reefs
To save Eilat’s coral reefs, coral picking was made illegal and the coastal nature reserve was established.
1962-71
Preserved Carmel Forest
Israel’s first large public campaign, “Demonstration of Thousands,” saved this biblical forest from early development plans.
1963-69
Preserved Wildflower Population
The most influential public campaign in Israel stimulated behavioral change and prevented the extinction of wildflowers due to over-picking.
1970
Facilitated ‘Children Leading Change’
SPNI’s environmental education programs were adopted by the Ministry of Education nationwide and mainstreamed in public schools.
1970
Saved Gilbo Iris Flower
Facilitated the cancellation of building plans that prevented the extinction of this unique majestic flower species.
1974-80
Secured Har Tzin Boulders
The unique geological formation of ‘Bulbusim’ boulders was saved after the nearby railway line was canceled.
1978-84
Enabled Land of the Rivers Project
Kibbutzniks and SPNI worked together to prevent redirection of the upper Dan River’s tributaries, saving the famous Banias nature attraction.
1983-1991
Saved Ashdod Dunes
Turned Israel’s last natural dune habitats into a nature reserve.
1992 - Present
Maintained Crane Feeding Project
A groundbreaking conservation initiative assists farmers, aids migrating birds, and has become an international eco-tourism attraction.
1995
Developed Israel National Trail
Blazed the 620-mile epic trail that stretches across Israel and managed Israel’s 6,000+ mile network of hiking trails.
1995
Established Ariel Sharon Park
Transformed Israel’s largest landfill into Tel Aviv’s own ‘Central Park.’
1999-2015
Developed Gazelle Valley
Following a robust public struggle and planning process, we helped establish Israel’s first urban wildlife park.
2004
Protected the Kinneret Circular Trail
Assured unhindered public access to the Sea of Galilee’s entire shoreline, increasing recreational opportunities.
2004
Advanced Coastal Law
Initiated laws that ensure Israel’s untouched beaches remain accessible and free for the public.
2004-8
Preserved Jerusalem Forest
Spearheaded a massive public campaign that saved Jerusalem’s green lung.
2008
Elected National Bird
Held a national competition where 150,000 people voted to choose the Hoopoe bird as the official state symbol.
2012-16
Stimulated Fisheries Reform
Legislator and stakeholder-engagement activities resulted in the implementation of more sustainable practices.
2014
Established Army for Protection of Israel
This organization empowers and supports the IDF in developing innovative conservation projects in secured areas.
2010-14
Preserved Valley of Elah
Enabled this biblical valley to be saved by facilitating the banning of an experimental oil shale fracking process.
2015
Established Gazelle Valley Park
Israel's first world-class urban nature site opens to the public in the heart of Jerusalem, beginning a highly successful program to breed mountain gazelles and return them to the Jerusalem hills.
2021 - Present
Start-Up Nature
Launched our Start-Up Nature project to rewild fishponds into a network of nature reserves.
2023
Elected National Butterfly
Declared the common blue butterfly Israel’s national butterfly on Sunday after a vote involving tens of thousands of schoolchildren and members of the general public.
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