Marine Protected Areas
Advancing the resilience of marine ecosystems in the Mediterranean
About the Initiative
Israel’s Mediterranean Sea coast is one of its most fragile and vulnerable ecological zones. It faces growing pressures from overfishing, coastal development, rising temperatures and pollution that harm the ecosystem’s resilience and unique habitats, on which many species depend.
Yad Hanadiv’s work to conserve the marine environment began in 2013. In 2017, we began supporting a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), designed to secure recognition of safe spaces for marine habitats to regenerate. The network is expected to cover roughly 20% of Israel’s territorial waters, in line with international targets.
Our focus is on recognition of Marine Reserves and national marine parks. We are also supporting the development of management and enforcement tools and scientific research on biodiversity and ecosystems, and for raising public awareness and mobilising coastal communities for joint action. We are partnering in this initiative with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel and other organisations to create a healthier sea for people, ecosystems and future generations. To date, 8% of Israel’s territorial waters have come under strict ecological protection.
