Mr. Chairman,
At the outset, I would like to express my gratitude to the Government of Turkey for hosting this very important conference and for bringing us together to discuss an issue that is crucial for all of us.
Israel is proud to serve on the Bureau of UNFF-10, alongside such dedicated colleagues—and I would like to thank the other members of the Bureau for their collegiality and leadership. Finally, allow me to thank the Secretariat for their invaluable work in preparation for and during this session of UNFF.
Mr. Chairman,
Forests have an enormous potential to provide a multitude of benefits to our environment and to the quality of life for millions of people. Taking proper care of our forests is crucial in our efforts to build a healthier and more prosperous planet. As Mahatma Ghandi said, "What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves." Forests are the lifeblood of our civilization— and protecting our forests is equivalent to protecting our future on this planet.
Mr. Chairman,
The State of Israel takes great pride in its forests. As a small state with very limited natural resources and a low average rainfall, Israel faces challenges that greatly impact our forests, such as soil erosion and desertification.
Israel has developed a unique system to manage its forests. In 1961, the Government of Israel handed all afforestation activities to Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL), an NGO which has been serving as the Israeli Forest Service ever since. KKL quickly implemented a number of policies which encouraged sustainable forest management practices for planted forests. As a result, KKL has planted over 240 million trees and introduced important regulations to control grazing and ensure effective water management.
The State of Israel has always recognized the value of well-managed forests—and over the years, we have become a laboratory for innovative forestry. As a result of both academic and field research, Israel has accumulated extensive knowledge and experience in the field of forestry and ecosystems. Israel has developed advanced practical methods for combating desertification, implementing afforestation in semi-arid regions, and ecological services of forests for the benefit of community and economic development in the country. Through active policies of afforestation, preservation and sustainable forest management, Israel is one of the few countries in the world that has more trees today than it did a century ago.
Mr. Chairman,
Israeli forests are multifunctional, providing multiple system services to surrounding communities and ecological systems. Our forests offer recreation areas and eco-tourism opportunities, such as hiking and biking trails, picnic sites, handicapped accessible trails, natural parks and playgrounds. Israel is a predominantly urban society and these open spaces serve as the country's "lungs"—and offer our citizens the opportunity to interact with nature. Local communities are involved in the planning and development of parks and forests, ensuring a grassroots connection. All of these services are provided free of charge.
Our forests also play an important role in the economic development of peripheral areas. Forest land is used for animal grazing among the nomadic tribal citizens of Israel, primarily the Bedouins. This mutually beneficial arrangement provides local shepherds with free pasture for their herds in areas where shepherding is a major source of employment, while assisting in the prevention of forest fires by reducing underbrush.
Forests also provide employment opportunities across socio-economic sectors— in ecotourism, forest maintenance and upkeep. Thousands of workers are employed annually in the field of forestry in Israel, around half of which are contractually-based or seasonal. In low economic sectors and peripheral communities, forest maintenance and upkeep provide vital jobs and often provide the primary means of income for entire families. Ecotourism is becoming more and more popular in Israel—and many residents benefit financially by providing accommodations and organizing nature activities.
While forests in Israel are generally not used for timber production, some timber is produced as a result of forest maintenance. This wood by-product is distributed as firewood free of charge to local residents. Prior to Christmas, KKL also distributes free trees to local Christian communities.
Our forests also provide important ecological benefits. One example is their capacity to maintain a healthy bee population. Through KKL, Israel has kept the worldwide phenomenon known as the CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) at bay, through pro-active policies focusing on supporting local bee colonies. A diversity of nectar-producing plants is planted in order to support the healthy nutrition of bee hives. The diversity of nectar-producing plants constitutes a preventative measure aimed at maintaining sustainable, healthy ecosystems and pollination services for agriculture. In addition, this benefits the local commercial honey producers and bee farming trade.
Mr. Chairman,
Climate change is one of the greatest threats to forests in the world today. Countries that never experienced desertification before are starting to feel its impacts. Israel has developed many techniques to manage forests in the context of climate change, and we are very active in sharing our knowledge and conducting technical exchange programs.
MASHAV—Israel's Agency for International Development Cooperation— regularly hosts seminars to share our experience in agriculture and forestry in the face of climate change. KKL also works to share its expertise in combating desertification, integrated pest management, and afforestation and watershed management, with countries such as a Germany, Kazakhstan, South Africa, East Timor, and Turkey.
We must recognize that ecosystems do not distinguish between national borders, and climate change has no political affiliation. It is our sincere belief that knowledge-sharing and cooperation are the best way to pave a path towards a sustainable future. In this important forum, I would like to emphasize the importance of Mediterranean cooperation, in order to further the understanding of the effects of climate change on the forests of our region.
Mr. Chairman,
Sustainable forest management offers a solid framework to address and integrate the role of forests in policies and strategies towards greener, low carbon economies. Forests are crucial to ensure food security and nutrition, improved livelihoods and poverty eradication—and working together on these common challenges would significantly improve our efforts as we set out to establish a post-2015 development agenda.
Mr. Chairman,
Since its establishment, the State of Israel has been deeply committed to ensuring the survival and development of our forests for the future generations. Today, thanks to the important efforts of the United Nations Forum on Forests, NGOs, governments and concerned citizens around the world, we recognize the urgency of the situation. As the Chinese proverb says: "The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now." None of us present today can afford to wait to improve the state of forests worldwide. Let us pledge to work together towards this common goal.