The upper reaches of this beautiful wadi – a dry riverbed – are peppered with large, beautiful Tamarix trees and the remains of Byzantine farmhouses and agricultural terraces. Unfortunately, over the years, it became an illegal dumpsite.
The members of Keshet assembled a group of dedicated residents to help rehabilitate this stretch of this wadi closest to Mitzpe Ramon.
One of the key objectives was to increase the public’s awareness of the environment.
The participants, who were involved in every stage of the project, from planning to execution, developed a genuine attachment to the area.
The participation of Mitzpe Ramon residents, and the involvement of various authorities and charitable funds, transformed this project into a model of civic environmental engagement.
Residents and school pupils helped with a range of cleanup activities. Footpaths and bicycle paths were created, ancient terraces were repaired and preserved, and an archeological site – a Byzantine farmhouse – was carefully restored.
The project, which incorporates tourism, community, and education, was selected as one of the critical projects marking the Jubilee of Mitzpe Ramon.
It received grants from the Rashi Foundation and the Ford Foundation and was chosen as the Most Outstanding Project of the Ford Foundation for the year 2005.
