This is a framework agreement for cooperation between the various entities, which will focus upon development, management and conservation of forest areas within the Jerusalem city limits. The agreement defines a division of responsibilities between the municipality and KKL-JNF, while utilizing the relative advantages of each party. The agreement is intended to enable Jerusalem residents and visitors to the city to enjoy green, open and cultivated areas, while upholding the values of nature, heritage and culture.
The City of Jerusalem has around 14 thousand dunams of natural forest (about 15% of the city's jurisdiction), which reside alongside the neighborhoods of the city and constitute green natural lungs, which are intended for tourism and serve as a meeting place for the various communities. Among the well-known forests: the Jerusalem Forest, Micpe Neftoach, Rekhes Lavan, Ein Kerem, the Ramot Forest, Lifta and more.
As part of the agreement, a joint administration shall be established that will operate via a permanent roundtable, for the purpose of monitoring implementation of the agreement, continued development of the forest areas and increasing cooperation. In addition, two new administrations will be established which will operate in concert, while pooling resources and using existing capabilities in an optimal fashion to maintain the open areas and to promote and develop projects.
Within the framework of the agreement, KKL-JNF will continue to manage the forest areas under its responsibility, while cooperating with the Municipality of Jerusalem on issues of supervision, enforcement, cleaning and public services, as well as assist in the forestry treatment of the trees. The Municipality of Jerusalem shall manage the areas that are not forest lands.
The administration that will be established, shall regularize the division of responsibility between the entities in the areas of maintenance, enforcement and development of the open areas. The municipality shall be responsible for general maintenance of the areas that are not forests, while KKL-JNF will focus upon maintenance of the forest areas.
In addition, the Jerusalem Envelope Administration shall be established for the management of the open area surrounding the city, while emphasizing coordination and cooperation with all the entities operating in the area. Furthermore, the Jerusalem Metropolitan Park Administration shall be established, which will manage the large park sprawled between the French Hill Junction and the Railroad Park, as well as additional park areas in the eastern ring zone of the city, as per the agreements between the parties.
The Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Leon: "The agreement we signed today is proof that cooperation between various entities can lead to significant change. By joining forces, we invest in the future of Jerusalem, a city in which nature and man live in harmony. Together, we will continue to ensure that the residents of the city and visitors to it, can enjoy green spaces, clean air and a high quality of life."
KKL-JNF Chairwoman, Ifat Ovadia-Luski: "This is a significant step for the residents of Jerusalem, for visitors to the city and for the public at large. This agreement embodies a vision of cooperation and upholding of nature and heritage values while emphasizing the development of green areas in the city in a manner that grants every resident and visitor high accessibility to green and flourishing recreational areas. KKL-JNF and the Municipality of Jerusalem jointly undertake to work for quality of life and to maintain the open areas for all of us."