The Environmental Protection Ministry revealed its several hundred-million-shekel Green South plan yesterday to sustainably rebuild and rehabilitate the Negev region.
“We will grow new hope from the ruins for the residents, the people of Israel, who are connected to nature and the land,” said Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman.
“Together we will prevail,” she said.
The plan was formed by Silman’s ministry professionals together with the heads of local authorities and area residents over the nearly three months since the October 7 Hamas massacre.
In addition to the immense loss of life, much environmental damage was done as a result of the attack. These included rampant fires contributing to increased air pollution, widespread pillaging leading to extensive waste dumping, damage to hazardous asbestos roofs, ground destruction caused by the movement of heavy vehicles, and more.
The ministry’s plan paves the way for a hazard-free environment. Its key components involve strategically reducing landfill waste, encouraging environmental planning, improving construction practices, and restoring and safeguarding open spaces. To kick-start this initiative, the ministry has allocated an initial budget of NIS 84 million and said it will work to secure additional money via other ministries and funds.
Project to begin immediately
The ministry said that the plan’s initial stages will begin immediately. The entire plan is expected to be completed in five years.
Silman emphasized during a briefing that this was a collaborative effort involving all relevant stakeholders. The vision behind the plan extends beyond the mere reconstruction of houses: it aims to shield the population and the environment from pollution and other environmental hazards.
The environmental protection minister underscored the deep connection that the people of the Negev region already have with their environment. She said they deserve to return to their previous way of life and a better and more sustainable future.
Specifically, the plan will kick off with a NIS 1m. survey of the area and the rehabilitation of severe hazards, such as the remediation of asbestos, other hazardous substances, and contaminated soil as a result of the attack. Asbestos roofs are expected to be replaced with solar ones.
All schools and public buildings damaged or ruined will be rebuilt according to green building standards. The budget also allows for an environmental planning consultant to help upgrade and renovate privately owned buildings. Nature sites, community gardens, and edible forests will also be established in various communities.
Natural and open spaces, such as the recreation area in Shikma Park, Habsor Road, and the Darom Adom areas, are expected to be restored.
In Sderot specifically, the ministry will invest in sustainable urbanism, outfitting houses with new courtyards, solar roofs, roof insulation, and more efficient lighting. Mature trees will be planted on the city’s main streets to increase shade, and a 30-hectare urban nature site will be developed.
The plan also includes removing agriculture waste sites in communities and along scenic roads. Budgets will be allocated to local authorities for the recycling and removal of untreated hazards; inspection and enforcement activities to prevent fires and the dumping of waste will be enhanced.
Financial support will be provided for the establishment of end facilities for the treatment of agricultural waste. In addition, farmers will receive subsidies for a transitional period to adopt techniques for preserving clean pruning suitable for chipping and recycling. These subsidies should also support purchasing chippers, mulchers, and sifters for various areas or local authorities.
The plan likewise includes establishing sorting and treatment facilities and recycling centers in municipalities to encourage waste stream separation. This could consist of smart disposal containers, recycling centers, composters, and bio-gas facilities for dining rooms.
It would also mean shuttering the “Daya” landfill until a new site can be established.
The ministry said some of these projects had already been kicked off before the massacre and will, therefore, be easier to continue. Others will be new, both for the South and for Israel in general.
While Israel is at the forefront of green technology, the country has struggled to advance green policies and practices.
“Today, we are making a change,” Silman said, adding that the Green South plan “will lead this beautiful land to recovery and renewal.”
The Environment and Climate Change portal is produced in cooperation with the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The Jerusalem Post maintains all editorial decisions related to the content.
