Theme Group #2
Sponsored by the Ministry of the Environment

The Desert:
A Danger
or
In Danger

The Negev is the source of affection for many Israelis and tourists. Each year, thousands visit it to explore its spectacular canyons, its exotic plant- and wildlife and its scattered ruins of ancient civilizations. For thousands of nomadic Bedouins and residents of its agricultural settlements, the Negev is home.

Yet, like many other deserts, the Negev has a public image problem... a problem that threatens the well-being of the desert and its inhabitants. In spite of the Negev’s intense beauty, many people still view it as a wasteland... a backyard where the country’s waste (including toxic chemicals), mining, hazardous industries and military firing ranges can be dumped .

Educators, environmental groups and government environmental branches have their hands full trying to educate the public about the aesthetic, economic, ecological and health benefits of preserving desert environments. Educational groups such as the Society for Protection of Nature (SPNI) are trying to educate the public about the desert, while others are fighting to create and enforce laws to protect the habitat and its inhabitants.

Much can be learned from examining land-use conflicts in Israel. Because of it’s small size, its unique settlement history, its unusually diverse human population and its rapid technological development, Israel offers a condensed model to examine problems facing deserts in both developing and developed countries throughout the world.

In this workshop, participants will get a first-hand look at the Negev desert system and some of its leading environmental problems. Discussions will also center on the country’s dilemmas when deciding where to place a small country’s waste and hazardous industries.

Representatives from three different environmental organizations will guide the group through a series of representative sites. Participants will visit a large local quarry (Mishor Rotem) and a heavy chemical industry located close to a large human settlement (Ramat Hovav) as well as a chemical plant which is known for its attention to environmental concerns.

About the workshop leaders

Yehudit Chorna, a former teacher from the high school, currently serves as the South Region Coordinator of Environmental Education and Information with the Ministry of the Environment.

Assa Baumer teaches geography at the Environmental Education High School and recently completed his M.Sc. in geography. Assa’s thesis research was on land-use conflicts in the Negev (between army and tourism uses).

Yosi Kadan, former manager of the Ein Gedi Field school, now works for the Society for Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), and represent the southern region for the Department of Environmental Preservation.

Theme Group #2

Schedule

Sunday June 22
Afternoon - Conference registration.
15:00-18:30 - Explore Ein Avdat with theme group
Evening - Opening ceremonies and dinner.

Monday June 23
6:00-11:00 - Visit Maktesh Ramon.
Afternoon and evening - Conference program.

Tuesday June 24
6:00 -13:00 - Visit Big Crater, Mishor Roten and Arad.
Afternoon and evening - Conference program.

Wednesday June 25
8:15- 11:15 Discuss Ramat-Hovav.
11:15- 16:30 Visit scientist from Blaustein Institute for Desert Research Solar Energy Division.
17:00 - 19:30 Meet with Marilyn Pratt (local environmentalist /leader).
Afternoon and evening - Conference program.

Thursday June 26
8:30-11:30 Visit Ramat-Hovav, major chemical industry.
11:30 - 13:00 - Prepare presentations.
15:00 - 17:30 - Theme group presentations.
Afternoon and evening - Conference program.

Friday June 27
Departure and optional excurions.

Due to intense midday heat, fieldtrips are scheduled for early mornings and late in the day. Please follow safety recommendations closely.