Stone Quarry Restoration Action
During the past two decades, stone quarries that covered 110 hectares on the northern edge of Mitzpe Ramon were exploited
One of Keshet’s key objectives is to preserve the unique landscape of the “Land of the Craters,” and to ensure that any development in the region is conducted sustainably.
As such, the preservation of the unique environment of Mitzpe Ramon and the Negev Highlands is at the center of the efforts of Keshet’s Environment and Development Department.
Among others, the department monitors the deposition, submission, and updates of all construction plans and master plans tendered for the area, both by the local and regional council.
Keshet’s Environment and Development Department explicit role is to collect, analyze and evaluate all information concerning the planning of those projects that may threaten the natural landscapes, and to support and strengthen the resolve of the community to act upon its findings and recommendations.
The department’s successes include the rehabilitation of damaged areas in Nahal Hava and the stone quarries north of Mitzpe Ramon. Keshet conducted a successful public campaign to oppose a private construction project, adjacent to the Camel Mount neighborhood, close to the edge of the Ramon Crater.
Ezry Keydar manages the Planning and Environment department
Phone: +972.54.5907158
Mail: ezry@keshet.org.il
These are the projects that are currently active in the Environment & Development department
During the past two decades, stone quarries that covered 110 hectares on the northern edge of Mitzpe Ramon were exploited
Amending the environmental shortcomings in the Plan for the new “Western Neighborhood”. Toward the end of 2017, the Plan for
Mizpe Ramon is situated in the heart of a vast wild desert. It has significant residual influence on the desert
Legalizing and recognizing Bedouin settlements and villages is a socially sensitive, legally complex, and politically controversial issue. Along Road 40,
A partial list of projects and activities that have taken place in the Environment & Development department, over 20 years of activity
This campaign sought to mobilize Mitzpe Ramon’s citizens against the plan to construct a vast drinking-water reservoir on open desert
Keshet was at the center of a public campaign against a governmental plan to develop a new residential neighborhood on
The new Master Plan for Mitzpe Ramon has been under development for more than a decade. Unfortunately, in its current
Mitzpe Ramon is an isolated urban settlement, completely surrounded by the natural, untamed desert. The town is adjacent to the
The Mitzpe Ramon Municipal Council, like many other local authorities in the country, shares only a minimal amount of planning
The Machtesh (Crater) Festival is a Mitzpe Ramon tradition, annually celebrating the unique attachment of the town’s residents to the
The upper reaches of this beautiful wadi – a dry riverbed – are peppered with large, beautiful Tamarix trees and
Over the years, the Center, led by Ms. Ephrat Leibrook and Dr. Noa Avriel-Avni, has provided a home for numerous
To strengthen the connection between the local community and the desert expanse, Keshet sponsored a series of geological courses to
This unique educational institution was created in 2002 by parents seeking an environmentally-oriented educational alternative for their children. For this
We would be delighted to meet with you and share the inspiring story of the Keshet NGO. We’ll discuss how activism and determined civic actions have the power to transform reality, especially in the most secluded town in Israel.
