Projects
Among the projects we support:
ALA Pipeline in Acre – An ancient city, Acre has relied on the gulf that it has neighbored since biblical times. Now that gulf is in great danger of turning into a sewage pool due to a pipeline built to carry sewage from regional factories directly to the sea. Over 10,000 Acre residents signed a petition protesting the operation of the ALA Pipeline and the sewage spilled into the Gulf of Acre. This campaign has received enormous support from both the residents and local leaders, notably the mayor of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shafdan Sewage Treatment Plant – The Shafdan (Dan Region Sewage Treatment Plant) which treats the sewage of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area (and is one of the largest sewage treatment facilities in the world) pours nearly 5 million cubic meters of sludge into the sea a few kilometers from Tel Aviv. An anti-pollution campaign was initiated that involved thousands of citizens. As a result, alternative sludge treatment methods are being implemented and the government has instituted legal action against Shafdan’s former management
Cleaning the Kishon River – Since 2001, five factories have been legally permitted to produce 10,000 cubic meters of dangerous sewage each day and release it into the Kishon River which runs through Israel’s northern city of Haifa. After mounting a high-profile campaign, environmental groups persuaded local and national leaders to make the issue a high priority – only Israel’s Ministry of the Environment devised an alternative plan to send the untreated sewage through a pipeline to the sea just two kilometers away from a popular bathing area. Now a new battle is being undertaken, this time to demand that the factories clean up their waste before releasing it anywhere. International leading experts specializing in sewage treatment are needed to assist in devising alternative solutions to the pipeline by using the best available technology.
Protecting the Lachish River – “Don’t Say Kaddish for the Lachish” is the slogan for the campaign to save the Lachish River running between the cities of Ashkelon and Ashdod. After an in-depth study was undertaken to determine the pollution sources and the variety of pollutants, a major public campaign was begun with wide-media coverage. Pressure from the public has led to the involvement of the Mayor of Ashdod and the Ministry of the Environment in the creation of the Lachish Committee, headed by the Mayor and responsible for the river’s rehabilitation – since it’s creation, the Mayor of Ashdod has now pledged to completely eliminate all pollution of the river by the municipality by summer 2008.
Protecting Israel’s Mediterranean from Land-Based Pollution – According to the Sea Report published by Zalul Environmental Association of Israel in 2006, 80 factories and municipalities have a permit to legally spill their sewage into the sea. Besides the permitted sewage that is spilled, a substantial amount of untreated sewage is spilled into the sea illegally due to poor enforcement and lack of ramifications for the offenders. This campaign intends to substantially reduce the flow of pollution from these sources over a three-year period. Methods for achieving this goal include: Mapping pollution “hot spots” from which to generate a strategic blueprint, targeting the problematic Permit Committee policy that is responsible for allowing a growing number of polluters to legally pollute, and creating a large network of activists to help monitor sea conditions, among others.
Gulf of Eilat - This vital, beautiful natural resource was under threat from pollutants and commercial fish farming. More than 2,500 tons of fish a year, raised in underwater cages, disturbed the ecological balance of the surrounding sea, spreading disease and causing direct damage to the coral reed and marine life. It has been one of the most far-reaching “green” campaigns in Israel’s history and among the more internationally influential, led to significantly increased public awareness, community involvement and, finally, legislative action. In June 2005, after more than five years of constant pressure, Israel’s government passed a resolution calling for the gradual removal of fish-farming cages. This decision has far-reaching implications for international marine and coral reef conservation efforts, but the work to protect and rehabilitate this unique ecosystem is not yet complete.