Jerusalem LAB Hosts International Biodiversity Workshop

On 13 and 14 December 2011, Jerusalem LAB hosted an international workshop on “Leveraging Urban Nature and Biodiversity for Local Development”.

Participants included 30 government officials and professionals from developing areas in Africa, India, South America, Eastern Europe, and the Far East. All those included are involved in local environmental protection and sustainable planning and came to Israel for a month long course sponsored by the Israel Foreign Ministry in cooperation with the Weitz Center for Leadership Development in Rehovot.

The intensive two day program in Jerusalem, conducted in conjunction with the local chapter of the Society for Protection of Nature, focused on mainstreaming biodiversity in Jerusalem and the promotion of a sustainable, eco-system based urban planning policy.  Sessions were devoted to the integration of urban biodiversity in city planning, the Jerusalem Urban Nature Survey, the designation of 40 significant urban nature sites for protection under the new city master plan, Jerusalem’s membership in the LAB (Local Action for Biodiversity) program, establishing a stakeholder process, engaging the public with CEPA (Communication, Education and Public Awareness), forming partnerships, and the launch of a municipal LBSAP - Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

A full day was devoted to leveraging biodiversity for social and economic development. Intensive site visits were also conducted, showcasing Jerusalem’s key biodiversity initiatives, among them the Gazelle Valley Urban Nature Wildlife Park Planning Program - Jerusalem LAB’s Legacy Project, the Jerusalem Bird Observatory, the new Railway Park, Bible Hill Conservation Program, and the Wildflower Sanctuary.

For more information follow the links below:

• Weitz Center participant list
  
• Information on the Weitz Center Urban Biodiversity
• Weitz Center Jerusalem Workshop Final Program
• View their gallery here