The session was led by Dr. Doron Markel, KKL-JNF's Chief Scientist, and panelists included of Ms. Anat Gold, KKL-JNF's Director of Central Region, Dr. Michael Sprintsin, KKL-JNF Forest Engineer of the Western Negev, Ms. Nicole Ndoubayo, Deputy General Manager, And Mr Beguy Djimounoum, Director of Export Services, ANIE (Chad). Mr Octavi Quintana, Director, PRIMA, Dr. Houria Djourdi, Senior Scientist CIFOR, Mr Chrisentus Bangkewa Kuunifaa, Deputy Director, Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, Bui Power Authority (Ghana).
The session dealt with assessments for extreme climates in reference to soil conservation, agricultural management in a changing climate time, Urban forestry and more. Among the speakers, Ms. Anat Gold, KKL-JNF's Director of the Central Region, gave a lecture about Urban Afforestation - From Degraded Wadis to Thriving Parks and talked about restoration of degraded areas in the heart of settlements in arid regions and their return to nature and public benefit.
Dr. Michael Sprintsin, KKL-JNF's Forest Engineer of the Western Negev talked about preservation and restoration of desert areas damaged over the years by unregulated agricultural uses. Dr. Sprintsin has also presented the contribution of the forest to the restoration of degraded areas, planting methods, treatment and the contribution of the forest to the public and the environment.
Dr. Doron Markel, Chief Scientist, KKL – JNF:" Most of the climate forecasting models in the Middle East show an increase in temperatures, a shortening of the precipitation period and an increase in the frequency of extreme events. Regarding the regional distribution of the rain, the direction is a decrease in the annual amount of precipitation in the south and northeast of Israel. One of the meanings is the rise of the desert line to the north. KKL - JNF specializes in afforestation and soil conservation in semi-arid areas that could be Israel's response to this risk. It is true that the climate crisis obliges us to promote a transition to renewable energies, but first of all to preserve the forest in Israel as a means leading to atmospheric carbon sequestration and to minimize the danger of desertification.
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that operates as the National Forest Service in Israel. Established over 120 years ago, KKL-JNF is considered one of the world’s oldest organizations operating in the field of environmental solutions, forestry and fire protection.