Belarusian University Explores Cooperation with KKL-JNF

A delegation from the Belarusian State Technological University paid a visit to Israel to examine the possibility of exchanging knowledge and expertise with KKL-JNF. Among the delegates were the university’s rector and deputy-rector, who were accompanied by the Belarusian Ambassador to Israel and the embassy’s economic attaché.

The meeting began with a joint tree planting at the KKL-JNF center in the Tzora-President’s Forest. The group planted oak trees, which grow extensively in both countries. University Rector Igor Voytov expressed his pleasure at the opportunity to plant a tree, and told his listeners:
“I have no doubt that this is the start of cooperation between us.”

Belarusian Ambassador to Israel Vladimir Skvartsov emphasized the excellent relations between the two countries:

“Ecology and forestry are tremendously important issues,” he said. “We have to do our utmost to conserve the environment, and for this, international collaboration is necessary. It’s inspiring to observe KKL-JNF’s tree-planting work and the impressive achievements it has attained.”

KKL-JNF Eurasia Department Director Igal Yasinov explained to his guests that 80% of Israel’s forests are not natural, but planted.

“Planting a tree is an extremely important act, and after we finish planting our tree, we shall continue to discuss promoting collaboration between our two countries,” he said.

Belarus is considered the green lung of Europe: it is generously endowed with lakes and rivers, and 43% of its area is covered in forests. Israel, on the other hand, is hot, arid and has to battle to conserve every tree that grows within its borders. Despite the differences between the two countries, however, both expressed a great desire to formulate shared initiatives.

 

“Together we shall learn which spheres are appropriate for collaboration,” said Aviv Eisenband, Director of the KKL-JNF Afforestation Division’s Forestry and Professional Development Department, during the meeting held at KKL-JNF’s Eshtaol office. “The expertise developed by KKL-JNF can be used extensively for different purposes in many countries throughout the world.”

KKL-JNF Seeds and Nurseries Department Director Hagay Yavlovich demonstrated the special planting trays KKL-JNF uses in its nurseries. Belarusian Embassy Economic Attaché Igor Letun raised a great deal of interest when he informed his hosts that in Belarus, planting trays are manufactured from a material that biodegrades in the soil and serves as a fertilizer for the plant.

He also told his Israeli colleagues that the Technological University is 90 years old, and that it has had a forestry department since its inception.
“We possess a great deal of human capital and advanced technological know-how where forestry is concerned,” he said.

Rector Voytov explained that the Technological University has headed up a great many projects in different countries throughout the world, mainly in connection with growth media and tree varieties in regions with differing climate conditions. He proposed ideas for collaboration on a variety of issues, including technologies for growing plants in nurseries, satellite monitoring of forests, pest control, propagation of saplings from trees atrophied by age, urban gardening, forest tourism, education and culture.

“We are greatly impressed by the university’s activities, and very pleased with this meeting,” declared Aviv Eisenband in response. “I’m sure that there are areas in which we can overcome the geographical differences and share expertise, such as monitoring forests by means of remote sensors, growing plants in nurseries and student specialization in a KKL-JNF framework.

“I welcome the initiative to promote cooperation, and I have no doubt that each side can learn from the other,” concluded Igor Voytov.

“Together we shall continue to promote the ideas we have brought up,” concurred Aviv Eisenband at the end of the meeting.

The two groups took their leave of each other in an atmosphere of friendship and with a promise to meet again to formulate continuing collaboration.