DavarWorld18:52

Israel Allocates $6.7 Million for Western Negev River Restoration

By אמיתי פרץ

Translated & summarized from Davar by baba

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Hebrew · 2 newsrooms covering

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Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection will allocate NIS 25 million over three years for river restoration projects in Ofakim and Netivot. The funding, part of a western Negev rehabilitation effort, will cover up to 90% of project costs, with initial allocations of up to NIS 4.79 million for Netivot and NIS 3.54 million for Ofakim. The projects aim to restore ecosystems, address pollution, and develop recreational areas, according to Minister Idit Silman.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection is allocating NIS 25 million for river restoration in Ofakim and Netivot.
The funding will be distributed over three years, with approximately NIS 8.3 million available this year.
The ministry will finance up to 90% of the costs for projects initiated by the municipalities.
Projects will focus on ecosystem restoration, pollution control, and developing tourism and recreation.
Minister Idit Silman called the initiative a national mission to develop the western Negev.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has announced a NIS 25 million (approximately $6.7 million) funding initiative over three years to restore rivers in the western Negev region, specifically targeting the cities of Ofakim and Netivot. The program, launched via a call for proposals, aims to promote environmental projects with a focus on river rehabilitation.

Of the total sum, about NIS 8.3 million will be allocated this year for projects proposed by the local authorities. The ministry will cover up to 90% of each project's cost. The maximum support for each municipality will be determined by factors such as population size and the length of rivers within their boundaries. In the initial phase, Netivot may receive up to NIS 4.79 million and Ofakim up to NIS 3.54 million.

The projects are intended to protect nature and encourage resident participation in decision-making. Key objectives include restoring and conserving ecosystems, addressing environmental hazards near river areas, monitoring nature, and developing tourism and recreation sites. The initiative is part of a broader effort to rehabilitate the western Negev.

Minister of Environmental Protection Idit Silman stated that the rehabilitation and development of the western Negev and strengthening its cities is a national mission. She highlighted the rivers in Netivot and Ofakim as natural and scenic assets with ecological importance and potential for connecting residents to their local environment. Both cities are part of the Besor River basin, with Netivot draining through the Bhu stream into the Gerar River, and Ofakim encompassing the Patis stream, both part of the regional drainage system.