Managing and Studying Forests at KKL-JNF

The desert is a unique ecosystem, not normally characterized by forests. How, then, did KKL-JNF achieve the stunning feat of 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) of desert afforestation to date?

This is due to the afforestation methods developed by KKL-JNF for the desert; savannization – planting single trees or clusters of trees in areas where climatic conditions do not permit woodlands or shrubs to grow without substantial human intervention.

Their growth relies on advanced water harvesting techniques that capture runoff rainwater in ridges, depressions, terraces and limans (tree clusters planted in reinforced water catchment basins). Savannization has an added value to it as well: the trees slow down soil erosion, one of the biggest environmental problems in the Negev.

Our forests would not be what they are without research – we take our forestry work seriously! We study what to plant and how to match trees with their environment to create and restore habitats to their original state.

At KKL-JNF, we are committed to forestry research to improve the quality of our trees, to develop environmentally friendly methods of dealing with pests, prevent erosion and desertification and create forests that people can enjoy.

Despite our best efforts forests change – trees grow older, fires break out and sometimes aggressive pests attack. To keep our forests healthy and thriving, we have to battle these elements by maintaining a top-notch firefighting system and early-warning fire network, maintaining forests and preserving them, and rehabilitating burnt areas, in short, by continuing to invest in our forests, even when we think our work is done.

Following the UN Climate Change Conferences, KKL-JNF updated its environmental policy to contribute to the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We will continue the essential work we are already doing and improve it by: