Restoring Israel’s Restoring Israel’s Burnt Forests: A Burnt Forests: A
Challenge for Challenge for Sustainable ForestrySustainable Forestry
Paul GinsbergPaul GinsbergDir., Forest Dept., Dir., Forest Dept.,
KKL Northern KKL Northern RegionRegion
25-26.2.200725-26.2.2007
The The DamageDamage1200 hectares (3000 acres) of forest1200 hectares (3000 acres) of forest
70% of Naphtali Mt. forest70% of Naphtali Mt. forest10% of Biriya forest10% of Biriya forest5362 hectares pasturelands5362 hectares pasturelands400 hectare nature reserve400 hectare nature reserve
Biriya ForestBiriya Forest
Naphtali Mt. Naphtali Mt. ForestForest
Forest Renewal Strategy:Based upon principles of sustainable
developmentI. Ecological Forestry Plan
II. Social/Public Involvement Plan
III. Budgetary Plan
IV. Human Resources Development Plan
Forest Renewal StrategyEcological/landscape aspect – patches and
structural diversity
Forest Renewal StrategyEcological/landscape aspect – areas of non-
intervention
Forest Renewal StrategyEnvironmental aspect – soil
conservation
Forest Renewal StrategyEcological aspect – loss of wildlife &
habitat
Forest Renewal StrategyEcological aspect – natural regeneration of
native trees
Forest Renewal StrategyEcological aspect – the use of trees which
regenerate after fire
Forest Renewal StrategyFireproofing our forests with planted
firebreaks
Forest Renewal StrategySocial aspect – the forest as “green” backyard of
Kiryat Shemona
Forest Renewal StrategySocial aspect – a heritage and visitors’ center –
Biriya Fortress
Forest Renewal StrategyEconomic aspect – wood sales to help finance the
restoration effort
Forest Renewal StrategyEconomic aspect – replace fire
trucks & equipment
Organizational aspect – improve firefighting effectiveness
Forest Renewal Strategy
The The Present Present
SituationSituation
Forest Renewal StrategyToday – 300,000+ tree seedling at the
Golani nursery
Forest Renewal StrategyToday – 300,000+ tree seedling at the Golani
nursery
Forest Renewal StrategyToday – Tu BeShvat planting ceremonies Biriya
Forest
Forest Renewal StrategyToday – Tu BeShvat planting ceremonies Naphtali Mt.
Forest
Forest Renewal StrategyToday – natural regeneration Naphtali
Mt. forest
Forest Renewal StrategyToday – natural regeneration Naphtali
Mt. forest
Forest Renewal StrategyToday – natural regeneration Naphtali Mt. forest
Forest Renewal StrategyToday – replanted Biriya forest
Forest Renewal StrategyToday – natural regeneration Biriya forest
Forest Renewal StrategyToday – natural regeneration Biriya forest
Forest Renewal StrategyToday – natural regeneration Biriya forest
Forest Renewal StrategyToday – planting + natural regeneration
Naphtali Mtn. Forest
SUMMARYSUMMARYThe restoration of burnt forests via The restoration of burnt forests via
applications of sustainable applications of sustainable development principles is:development principles is:
• A complex taskA complex task• Requires a long-term, multi-year Requires a long-term, multi-year
work programwork program• Takes into account conflicting Takes into account conflicting
program goals and attempts to program goals and attempts to reconcile themreconcile them
• Provides the KKL with a unique Provides the KKL with a unique professional & organizational professional & organizational challengechallenge
THANTHANKK YOUYOU