Ayalim Association http://ayalim.org/ was
founded in 2002 with the goal of strengthening existing communities and social
involvement in the Negev and Galilee. The Association’s role is to revive the
former pioneering spirit in the 21st
century and with means to achieve this goal through the establishment of
student and entrepreneur villages.
A recently published study by Ayalim shows that while Israel, like the rest
of the world, is expected to be impacted by the effect of global warming,
Israel’s plans are more resilient than other plant species when it comes to
being able to withstand the stresses of global warming. The study took place
over the course of a few years and included scientists from Israel, Germany and
the United States.
They studied a variety of different plant species from around the world
under conditions similar to those expected to occur due to climate changes.
The researchers assumed that different species of flora, including oats,
barley and a range of flowering plants and clover would either die of or
disperse their seeds in an attempt to find cooler locations with more rainfall.
When it came to these Israeli plant species, many did not.
The researchers explain that over the past 1000 years, these plan species
have become increasingly resilient. The results of this study are making
climate researchers rethink the impacts of global warming on Israel and the
surrounding region. One of the researchers commented by saying that
“plant communities in the Holy Land can cope with climate change of
‘biblical’ dimensions.”
"Our plants are strong and so our the people of
Israel!" says the spokesman
Israel attaches great importance to on 20-22 June. The unprecedented scope of the Israeli delegation at this year's Earth Summit, RIO+20, to take place in Rio de Janeiro signifies the importance Israel assigns to promoting sustainable development in Israel and in the international arena.
Israel is well known in the world for its expertise and vast knowledge in the field of sustainability, in topics such as water, agriculture, food production, forestation, desertification and others. These are some of the topics that will be discussed at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, to be held in Rio de Janeiro on 20-22 June 2012. About 130 world leaders and about 50,000 people are expected to attend from around the globe.
The main topic of the conference will be building a "green economy" for the eradication of poverty in developing countries, with an emphasis on energy, water, food, cities, green employment, the oceans and disasters. The conference will also address how to prepare for the era after 2015, the target year for the UN's millennium goals, and how to make the subject of sustainable development an integral part of the international system.
The Israeli pavilion will showcase Israel's achievements in green technology,
promotion of sustainability in Israel and Israeli foreign aid. This week, for instance, Israeli Prof. Daniel Hillel won the 2012 World Food prize for his work in developing the micro-irrigation system, thus contributing to food security. Israel shares its expertise with the world in the framework of foreign aid (through MASHAV, Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation), its economic and professional relations with other states and its activities in the international arena.
For example, the UN General Assembly adopted an Israeli proposal for a resolution in the field of "agricultural development technologies" to provide a solution to global challenges arising from poverty and the food crisis. Furthermore, last year Israel hosted an international preparatory meeting ahead of the conference that addressed green agriculture and sustainable development to eradicate poverty and hunger in the world. Delegates from 28 countries attended.
Two Israeli side events will take place in Rio: one on the subject of environmental agriculture and the eradication of poverty; and the other on solutions for municipal water systems. Israel's Jewish National Fund (JNF-KKL) will manage a study center on forestation and water, and Israeli experts will participate in international panels.
