A delegation of the Czech Parliament arrived in Israel for a tour with KKL-JNF, to learn about the environmental activity around the country, and to examine ways of collaboration. Among the participants were members of the Committee for the Environment, the Constitution & Law Committees of the Parliament and representatives of the Czech Embassy in Israel.
"It is important to me that our colleagues know about the important activities that KKL-JNF does in Israel, especially in environment and water management", said Robin Böhnish, the chairman of the Czech Republic Committee for the Environment. Böhnish, a forester by profession, expressed his appreciation to KKL-JNF for all its work.
During their visit, the delegation held a series of meetings with Israeli government representatives.
A special day was dedicated for a tour of northern Israel, with KKL-JNF representatives. The tour began at the green building of Sakhnin, an environmental friendly center for environmental education, energy conservation and research. Sakhnin is an Israeli-Arab city in Southern Galilee, home to 30,000 people, mostly Muslims. The hybrid structure combines traditional Arab architecture with modern technology and includes energy-efficient components. In the yard, wetlands were established in cooperation with KKL-JNF, which purify wastewater using layers gravel and suitable plants. The wastewater comes from the WWTP (Waste Water Treatment Plant) of Sakhnin and goes through additional purification in the wetlands. The purified water is then channeled for irrigating the orchards around the building. Researchers from Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority conduct research there to examine the effects of different types of gravel and plants on the wetland basins, as well as the effect of different compounds on reclaimed water.
Hussein Tarbya, CEO of the Municipal Environmental Association, explained that the green building and the activities that take place there promote the values of environmental care, social equality, prosperity and collaborations with different communities. "The center strives to be a bridge for peace between people and between Man and the environment," Tarbya added.
Students from schools around the area come to the center to learn about the environment, including groups of Jewish and Arab Israelis from the area who come to discuss sustainability and climate change.
The building was established on the basis of ecological principals, using a combination of local stone with straw and mud. The walls were left with unplastered openings, in order to show the material to visitors. Special air vents, cooled by running water, replace power hungry air conditioners. Large ventilation windows provide air for the building as well as natural light, reducing the use of electricity. Solar panels on the roof provide solar energy.
The project has won many international prizes, including one for energy efficiency from the European Union; the Green Globe Award of the Environmental Organizations in Israel; the Urban Renewal Award from China; and the Public Planning Award from France.
"This special project is based on ancient technology, which can also be functional today," said Böhnish at the end of the visit. "It combines protection of the environment, education, science and community collaboration."
The next stop was the Dubrovin Farm at the heart of the Yesod Hama'ala village, founded in 1884 and the first Jewish settlement in The Hula Valley. The farm was preserved by KKL-JNF and transformed into a museum commemorating the early pioneers. The group toured the museum and learned about settlement in the area since then.
Among the members was Karel Pažourek, the Deputy Head of Delegation at the Czech Embassy in Israel. "I believe that environmental issues can promote international cooperation", he said and added: "Israel and KKL-JNF have proficiency and great knowledge in the field of water and agriculture, which can potentially strengthen the ties and friendship between the countries."
His embassy colleague Arthur Polzer, Attaché for Communications, Culture and Science, talked about the many collaborative efforts between Israel and the Czech Republic, and how they aspire to strengthen them. "Israeli knowledge can assist, and we could definitely learn a lot from you", he said.
Sharon Geva of the KKL-JNF European Desk, emphasized the close relations between KKL-JNF and the Czech government, and that the Czech people are known for their support for Israel. "The environment connects people, no matter where they're from. It is important for us to promote the exchange of knowledge, and with the help of KKL-JNF in the Czech Republic we shall continue to strengthen our relations."
The last stop of that eventful day was Hula Lake Park, one of the main ornithological sites in Israel, and one of world's most acclaimed sites for bird-watching. Aviram Tzuk, Regional Manager of Northern Galilee and Golan at KKL-JNF, guided the group and mentioned that during migration season, half a billion birds pass through Hula Lake. "The site, which was developed by KKL-JNF with the support of their friends worldwide, is a model for the integration of nature, agriculture and tourism. It is most famous for its migrating cranes that come in masses from Europe," Tzuk stressed.
The story of the place represents the damage that human beings can cause to nature on the one hand, but also shows how one can take responsibility, rectify past mistakes and save the environment. In the 1950's, Israel drained the vast swamps of the Hula Valley, in order to create land for farming. This caused tremendous ecological damage and harmed the water quality of the Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). In the early 1990's, KKL-JNF was called upon again, this time to restore the lake.
The Czech delegation members toured the park in a tractor-drawn hide that allowed them to get close up to the cranes without disturbing them. Ornithologist Shay Agmon explained that the birds are regularly fed at the site, in order to keep them away from the surrounding farms.
He also added that cranes are monogamous and stay with one partner, strengthening their relationship with a mating dance. The large birds screech loudly in order to keep the young ones safe with their parents.
"The cranes may be the stars of the show, but we have over 300 types of birds, including endangered species that are very rare", said Agmon. Among those birds were two white storks, which were probably on their way to the Czech Republic, and stopped by to say hello.
"That was my first visit to Israel, and you surely have a fascinating country", said Jana Doležalová Koppová, Head of Secretariat of the Committee for the Environment. "The people are special and the atmosphere is wonderful," she added.
The action-packed day culminated in a wine tasting session, and the delegation members got to experience the local wines and raise a toast. "Our excellent relationship has been reflected in the beautiful weather and the huge number of cranes that greeted us," Robin Böhnish said with a smile, as he summed up the special day in the north.