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