Knowledge in Service of Humanity

KKL-JNF shares its knowledge and experience all over the world, and has participated in and sponsored numerous international conferences, showcasing KKL-JNF's technical experience and applied research. KKL-JNF is receiving growing recognition from international organizations and government offices, which cite its professional achievements.

KKL-JNF is the Israel's largest non-governmental organization (NGO) with United Nations status, dealing with land amelioration, water conservation and afforestation. As an NGO, we are committed to enhancing our international cooperation activity by addressing key global issues through mutual networking, knowledge sharing and spreading environmental advances beyond Israel's borders.

In turn, we are placing more and more emphasis upon our ability to lead, innovate, and create scientific breakthroughs by conducting research.

Our world – class expertise in water resource management and afforestation has earned KKL-JNF its rightful place among the world's leading environmental organizations.

Children in KKL-JNF's agricultural village in Rwanda. Photo: KKL-JNF Photo Archive

KKL-JNF stands at the forefront of knowledge and technology needed for:

Managing open areas and forests
Combating desertification
Developing and implementing advanced methods for harvesting water run-off
Reclaiming rivers and streams
Conserving the land through sustainable agriculture and research

We also see the increased desire from countries with comparable environmental systems to learn from KKL-JNF and we are being approached to assist and work with them. By continuing to offer our professional services through training, seminars and workshops, KKL-JNF is developing wider international contacts and distinguishing itself as a world leader in many fields.

KKL-JNF has consolidated its position as a respected global authority in the areas outlined below. Through painstaking research, forest management and new approaches to sustainable development, KKL-JNF's innovative work has facilitated exchanges between nations, governments and citizens. These contacts promote awareness of the need for nations and peoples to come together to tackle challenges of climate change and sustainable development. As we work with others to address these issues, we reaffirm our shared humanity and build ties of mutual friendship and cooperation.

Student group from South East Asia at the 2013 Agricultural Open Day at the Arava R&D. Photo: Tania Susskind

Desertification

As a country that is largely arid, Israel has met the challenge of managing desert lands and combating desertification. KKL-JNF is the leading body in this field and is more than willing to share its experience and know-how with its neighbors and with countries around the world.

Just as KKL-JNF lessons are learned from the experience of others, so too does KKL-JNF teach others to use the experience it has accumulated in various spheres. KKL-JNF plays a central role in disseminating this information through its cooperation with Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture. In December 2008, the three were instrumental in realizing an initiative for an international seminar on the subject of "Combating Desertification."

KKL-JNF also takes part in the ongoing discussions led by the International Arid Land Consortium (IALC) and the Middle East Research Cooperation (MERC).

Click here for more information on the involvement of KKL-JNF in combating desertification.

Afforestation

Afforestation has been a key KKL-JNF activity since our establishment. Today afforestation is set firmly in an ecological context, relating to the need to combat desertification and the fight to cut carbon emissions as part of the struggle against global warming.

KKL-JNF has attained major international status in global frameworks. This reputation is based on the understanding that many of the challenges that KKL-JNF faces in Israel are similar to the problems tackled by many other nations around the world. Organizations, institutions and governments worldwide relate to KKL-JNF as a partner for environmental projects with global ramifications.

KKL-JNF is commited to the promotion of afforestation in various discplines, both in ongoing international relations with other organizations, and as a knowledge-sharing organization promoting research and scientific corporation.

Click here for more information on the international aspects of afforestation.

Jerusalem Park. Photo: Ronit Svirsky, KKL-JNF Jerusalem

Water

The key to life, agriculture, and development, water has been the focus of human concern and endeavor since before Biblical times. Here too, KKL-JNF plays a leading role and takes part in international endeavors to meet the challenge of dwindling supplies and rising demands.

Based on a United Nations Resolution passed in 1992, on March 22 every year, International Water Day is celebrated throughout the world. UNESCO invites all UN members to mark the occasion, and we in Israel are no exception. KKL-JNF sponsors many Water Day events and activities. KKL-JNF views International Water Day as an important opportunity and an example of our ongoing and daily commitment. So far KKL-JNF has established over 220 reservoirs throughout the country and the list is growing. Today, almost 80 percent of our sewage undergoes treatment and we are reclaiming it for agricultural use. KKL-JNF has introduced more water preservation and recycling programs than any other Israeli institution or government body. In a country that has very little water, and suffers from a severe water shortage, we know how important it is to gather this precious resource. Every drop of water is a drop of life.

Our river rehabilitation projects are also restoring life to many of Israel's neglected waterways and restoring their unique flora and fauna. The JNF Australia project of promoting the conservation of the Alexander River in Israel. In 2003, the project won the Thiess Services International River Prize awarded by the International River Foundation which sponsors the Festival.

The Biofiltration Project is a project of JNF Australia, in collaboration with Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. The aim of this project is to apply Australian knowledge and expertise in assisting Israel to harness stormwater runoff, to help replenish the aquifers and provide an additional source of sustainable water utilisation.

Canadian provinces have been invaluable partners in promoting international water initiatives and are the source for projects such as the Oak Hammock Wetlands, the Manitoba-Israel Water Experts Symposium and other important projects.