At the 2026 Zipori River conference, project partners marked more than four years of collaboration to restore the stream and its surrounding landscape. The conference explored the connections between ecological restoration, agriculture, community and regional development, highlighting the importance of long-term cooperation among local authorities, government ministries, environmental organisations and local residents. During the event, partners signed the Zipori River Charter – reaffirming their shared commitment to continuing the restoration and safeguarding its achievements over the long term.
Some 80 students are currently enrolled in joint master’s programmes in environmental studies in Arab society, offered by the University of Haifa, Ben-Gurion University, and The Hebrew University. The programmes, which combine applied research with hands-on experience in local authorities and environmental organisations, recently held their first joint conference. They are part of the Environment Programme’s strategy to cultivate environmental leadership in Arab society, by training professionals who will lead sustainability initiatives in their communities and across the public sector.
Earlier this year, progress was also made in advancing regenerative agriculture in Israel. At the Upper Galilee Living Lab, a professional committee was established to develop soil health indicators, while in the Jezreel Valley, working groups on biodiversity, soil and chemistry were formed. A Living Lab non-profit organisation was formally established. Together, these developments strengthen the professional infrastructure for regenerative agriculture, fostering knowledge, collaboration, and a capacity to meet climate and environmental challenges.
Photo: Eran Yardeni