The Campaign for Sustainable Tourism in Ramon Crater

Developing tourism in the Mitzpe Ramon area is desirable and welcome. However, development planning must be done with maximum sensitivity to the area, nature, and the needs of local residents.

Keshet NGO, in collaboration with organizations and local residents, is bringing to the agenda the issue of increasing the maximum lodging capacity at the gypsum quarry campsite in Ramon Crater by 50%, operated by the company ‘Selina’.

Alongside the campsite, the Mitzpe Ramon local council, with funding from the Ministry of Tourism, is promoting the establishment and development of the ‘AmphiStar’ – a mass performance venue designed for approximately 3,000 spectators.

Background

When Mitzpe Ramon was established, residents used the nearby resource – Ramon Crater – for mining and excavation.

Due to the wide availability of minerals for the construction industry, the craters became mining and quarrying sites. During these operations, as well as due to water drilling, more than 10% of the Big Crater’s area and 5% of Ramon Crater’s area were damaged. The result was severe damage to the pristine landscapes of these craters – the destruction of cliffs, pits forming in the ground, and even streams that changed their flow angles.

Over the years, decision-makers realized that mining and quarrying activities caused significant harm to the crater and its surroundings – including wildlife, vegetation, and soil. After more than 40 years of mining gypsum, kaolin, bentonite, flint-like clay, and clay, these activities were halted under the Israeli government’s decision known as “The Craters Land Decision.”

In the early 2000s, the last quarrying operation ceased, and starting in 2017, authorities began an accelerated rehabilitation and development process.

As part of the restoration work, the quarries were rehabilitated, and all quarry buildings were removed from the site, except for the giant kiln that was used for baking ceramic clay— which still stands in its place within the Colors of Ramon National Park.

In 2006, several areas in the crater that were previously used for quarrying were rehabilitated as part of a landscape restoration project. Most of these areas are now part of the Colors of Ramon National Park, which was recently declared by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. One of these sites is a public camping area located in the Gypsum Quarry, west of Highway 40.

Issue No. 1 – Expansion of the Integrated Camping Site at the Gypsum Quarries

The gypsum quarry area is divided into two main sections – a nighttime camping site privately owned by business entrepreneurs, and an adjacent open public area (Shatzaf) accessible to the general public under the guidelines of the Mitzpe Ramon Local Council. It is worth noting that the approved plan grants the campsite entrepreneurs the right to pre-approve any activities in the public area and requires their consent for such activities.

In 2012, the regional committee approved the plan regulating the land uses within the site, both for private entrepreneurs and areas managed by the local council. The plan includes 9.88 acres designated as ‘integrated camping’ along with supporting infrastructure facilities. The approved plan initially included only 640 beds, but recently the number increased by 50% to 960 beds under a special permit as part of a ‘relief’ granted by the Mitzpe Ramon local planning and building committee, in addition to other concessions set by the committee.

‘Integrated camping’ is a designation that allows lodging in various types of tents and light permanent structures, and includes at least one activity center. Within this plan, the developers intend to allocate tent accommodations for approximately 960 guests, along with an ‘exclusive’ lodging area and an option to build small plunge pools adjacent to the units. Additionally, a ‘central building’ will be constructed as a permanent structure with a total area of 900 square meters. To address transportation needs, a plan is being promoted to build a junction connecting the site to Route 40.

Tourism development is a positive trend, but as of now, there is no regulation regarding the operation of the campsite. Even today, before all lodging units in the site have been established, events, concerts, and parties are already taking place, significantly impacting the surrounding area in terms of noise pollution, light pollution, and nighttime vehicle traffic.

As is well known, Ramon Crater is an ‘International Dark Sky Reserve.’ This designation recognizes sites around the world where the night sky remains in its natural state, preserving the unique view of a star-filled sky in all its glory. As of today, only 15 countries have received this designation for reserves within their territories. By virtue of this designation, Ramon Crater receives a high ranking and enhances its prestige among both domestic and international tourism.

In the absence of regulations, policies, or restrictions from the Mitzpe Ramon Local Council, the addition of over 300 beds, along with a new junction in the heart of the crater, will significantly increase the number of vehicles and tourists moving through the crater at night. This means that due to vehicle lighting, the level of light pollution will increase, impairing the ability to observe the stars. Consequently, the light pollution rating that Ramon Crater currently holds as a Dark Sky Reserve will be at risk.

On April 18th, a “public participation” evening was held, initiated by concerned citizens to hear the developers’ stance on issues that worry the residents and the public. The developers, Dovi Roll and Sami Alkaranawi, responded to the request and attended the event, facing the questions raised and answering patiently. However, on most unresolved issues, no clear answer was provided regarding how the developers would address the concerns raised by the residents. Moreover, most participants left the evening with the feeling that their concerns and questions were not being thoroughly addressed.

One of the concerns presented to the developers was the potential use of high-decibel music (especially since the developers are also promising and offering the venue for weddings and large events).

Although the developers’ land is not located within a nature reserve, as it is classified as a “disturbed area,” sound and noise do not recognize boundaries. There is significant concern about the edge effect of the complex impacting nearby open areas, biodiversity, and the experience of hiking and tourism in the crater for those who are not guests of the complex.

As of June 2021, an appeal submitted by the Ministry of Environmental Protection against the exemptions granted to the developers by the Mitzpe Ramon local planning committee is pending before the district appeals committee.

We, at the Keshet NGO, along with local residents and environmental activists, are closely monitoring the Ministry of Environmental Protection’s compromise attempts with the developers, aiming to minimize as much as possible the potential future damage that may result from these exemptions.

Issue No. 2 – AmphiStar

In parallel with the exemptions granted to the planned camping site, the Mitzpe Ramon Local Council and the Ministry of Tourism are promoting a plan to establish “AmphiStar” in the Gypsum Quarry complex. This open-air theater, intended for music and astronomy events, will include supporting infrastructure and is expected to accommodate 3,000 people, as stated on the website of the Dead Sea Preservation Government Company (HALI).

According to the city plan (TABA) for this site, performances for an audience of 3,000 spectators are permitted. However, the plan strictly prohibits the construction of permanent buildings on the lot. However, the levels of lighting and sound have not been restricted at all. According to statements from the local council, the AmphiStar is expected to host approximately three events per month on average, meaning events on three out of four weekends each month. It is likely that the spring and summer months will be more intensive, while activity will be reduced during the colder winter months.

The plan was never subjected to public consultation or an evaluation of alternative locations within the blue line of Mitzpe Ramon, despite the existence of other potential sites for establishing a large-scale performance venue. This approach raises concerns among residents and citizens regarding the insistence of various stakeholders on establishing the facility specifically in this sensitive location. Moreover, the project’s budget and plans are not transparent to the public, despite repeated requests from local elected officials to the mayor to disclose these details.

There is significant concern that the AmphiStar will fundamentally alter the character of the crater. The development of the tourism sector is welcome, but it must be carried out in a manner that aligns with Ramon Crater’s carrying capacity in terms of tourist volume and protection against light and noise pollution in the heart of the crater.

Above all, the development of Mitzpe Ramon and its surroundings is indeed a positive endeavor, but it should be carried out with public participation and in consideration of the questions and concerns raised by the community.

The AmphiStar, combined with the integrated camping site, will create massive human congestion in the heart of Ramon Crater, at an unprecedented scale.

Public Campaign and Appeal to Government Ministers

In July 2021, Keshet NGO, together with a group of environmental activists from Mitzpe Ramon, launched a public campaign. The “Guardians of the Crater” Facebook page was launched, and an online petition was created, which gathered thousands of signatures from Israeli nature and desert enthusiasts within the first week.

The clear message was conveyed in two letters from the NGO to the Ministers of Tourism and Environmental Protection, as well as to senior officials in their ministries and relevant authorities.

The public response was swift—news articles and current affairs programs on radio and television sharply criticized government and local authorities for even considering a project like AmphiStar.

In the summer of 2021, the struggle was at its peak and seemed poised to yield positive results.

The Position of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority

At the end of July 2021, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) published its position on the organization’s official Facebook page:

In response to inquiries directed to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority regarding its position on hosting large-scale events in the heart of Ramon Crater at this time,
Ramon Crater has undergone a transformation in recent years—quarrying areas that scarred the landscape have been restored, comfortable camping sites have been established, measures have been taken to benefit visitors to the area, and efforts have been made to protect local wildlife and vegetation. The pinnacle of this process was the declaration of Ramon Crater as the only “Dark Sky Reserve” in the Middle East. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has invested significantly in planning and implementing these efforts, and we intend to continue protecting nature while also promoting hiking and tourism in this unique location.

In light of the growing understanding of the ecological impacts of light and noise pollution, we believe that establishing a large-scale performance amphitheater in the heart of the restored crater is not appropriate at this time, and it would be advisable to reassess the type of activities conducted there. We believe that events and uses that align with the spirit of the site and adhere to environmental limitations—such as stargazing events or any other activity that suits the quiet and dark nature of the crater—would be more appropriate.

The Position of the Ministry of Environmental Protection

In August 2021, the Ministry of Environmental Protection published its position against the AmphiStar project, outlining the following key points:

We believe that the festivals and performances permitted under the proposed plan are not compatible with the natural and touristic characteristics of Ramon Crater or its status as a nature reserve, national park, and Dark Sky Reserve.

Furthermore, we believe that while planning authorities initially deemed such activities appropriate in the heart of Ramon Crater, today, in light of accumulated knowledge, the growing understanding of the importance of dark night skies and quiet for the ecosystem and tourism in the crater, as well as their contribution to both people and the environment, and given the increasing public awareness and interest in these issues, along with the crater’s unique status, it is necessary to reassess the plan and the activities it permits.

The Position of Environmental Organizations in Israel

At the beginning of September 2021, a letter was sent to the Minister of Tourism by national and local environmental organizations from across the country. The key points of the letter are as follows:

All nature conservation and environmental organizations that signed this letter see it as their duty to warn that a unique area and a rare natural treasure are at risk due to this plan for large-scale performances in the very heart of the Ramon Crater Nature Reserve.

As nature conservation and environmental organizations, we view with deep concern the advancement of this plan, which contradicts every principle of nature and environmental preservation. In our view, implementing this plan in the heart of such a sensitive natural site, which is a rare national and international treasure and one of Israel’s most important natural assets, would set a destructive development precedent. Practically speaking, beyond the blatant disruption to nature, such a move would strip the desert and its tranquility from thousands of hikers and tourists who would be forced, against their will, to listen to the sounds of performances emanating from the planned amphitheater while staying at overnight campsites throughout Ramon Crater. These hikers, who come to enjoy the desert nature, will likely not return to stay overnight in Ramon Crater.

October 2021 – A dramatic announcement by the Minister of Tourism regarding the cessation of the project.

Following our appeals and the public pressure generated by the campaign against the construction of AmphiStar in the heart of the Ramon Crater Nature Reserve, Minister of Tourism Yoel Razvozov explicitly announced that he had ordered the halt of the project’s planning and the consideration of alternative locations within the jurisdiction of the Mitzpe Ramon Local Council, but outside the boundaries of the crater.

Following this announcement, we approached the Minister’s office requesting a formal directive instructing the halt of the project and the implementation of an orderly process to examine alternative locations outside Ramon Crater.

To solidify this decision, the next steps we will work to implement include: amending the City plan of the Gypsum Quarry to prohibit light and noise pollution from any future restoration projects in this area, as well as establishing clear regulations for all tourism activities throughout Ramon Crater.

Listen to the Minister of Tourism’s interview with Rino Tzror – “It will not be built there!”

August 2022 – The local council surprises with a new tender for the amphitheater.

Despite the cancellation of the amphitheater’s budget and negative professional opinions regarding its operation in the heart of Ramon Crater, it became clear that the local council had not given up hope of implementing the project. In August 2022, the local council issued a tender for limited operations of a lot adjacent to the Selina complex. It seems that this time, the council attempted to legitimize the controversial project. The tender prohibited land development, limited usage to 14–16 times per year, restricted events to full moon nights only, required shuttle transportation from Mitzpe Ramon, and imposed additional restrictions. The tender, of course, ignored the expected damages from such events, including excessive noise in the heart of the nature reserve, massive amounts of raw sewage, litter spillage, and more.

Strangely enough, the Mitzpe Ramon Local Council did not even require land use fees or property tax payments as part of the tender for utilizing the site. This raised many questions about the council’s motivation for issuing the tender and the intentions behind it.

Following the publication of the tender and the environmental risks that would result from its implementation, the campaign reignited with full force. The Keshet NGO launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the necessary funds for filing an administrative petition against the tender, led by the NGO’s legal advisors.

At the same time, we once again approached the Minister of Environmental Protection, Tamar Zandberg, demanding an urgent discussion on the amphitheater issue. A meeting was scheduled with us, including the Minister, the Director-General, the entire ministerial staff, the Southern District managers of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, as well as senior representatives from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel.

The meeting took place on September 22, 2022, and Zandberg quickly grasped the issue. Our demand turned into a government directive to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority—to amend the City plan of the Gypsum Quarry in a way that would prohibit hosting polluting events that the Mitzpe Ramon Local Council and the Selina complex owners sought to promote and organize on the site.

A few days later, the Minister of Environmental Protection personally and directly approached Mitzpe Ramon Mayor Roni Marom, requesting to freeze the tender, inform the bidders of her official stance, and invited him to participate in a joint effort to find an alternative location for the problematic project. Her request was blatantly ignored.

The public and ministerial pressure had its effect, and on October 24, 2024, the local council announced that not a single developer had submitted a bid for the tender. This effectively put an end to the council’s attempts to establish AmphiStar in any form, and the project was shelved.

We continue to advance the amendment of the City plan with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA).

We were not satisfied with the failure of the council’s tender. As long as the City plan allows polluting events to take place in the heart of Ramon Crater, there remains a risk that a developer might take advantage of it, or that a future mayor might approve such activities.

The failure of the tender made it clear that there is an urgent need to expedite and complete the amendment of the City plan. We continued to monitor the progress of the City plan amendment with the relevant authorities in the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA). The new plan incorporates the open areas, including the lot originally designated for performances, into the “Heart of Ramon” National Park, which is intended to be jointly managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) and the Mitzpe Ramon Local Council. The lot is designated for quiet tourism activities.

On January 3, 2024, the plan was brought for discussion with a recommendation from the Mitzpe Ramon Local Planning and Building Committee. The discussion, which was closed to the public for unclear reasons, saw the local council express support for the plan, but it requested changes regarding the management of tourism activities within it. Additionally, the plan includes strict environmental restrictions on the overnight campground (Selina complex).

Once the local committee’s recommendation is received, the plan will undergo a series of reviews by the Planning Administration and will eventually be submitted for approval by the district committee.

We seek to promote sustainable tourism development that relies on Mitzpe Ramon’s natural assets, while also establishing strict and clear regulations regarding tourism in the crater, ensuring that it does not harm this unique and rare natural wonder.

We are working on establishing a foundation for such regulations while simultaneously seeking cooperation from the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and the Mitzpe Ramon Local Council. The goal is to reach a joint decision on what is appropriate and sustainable for the development of tourism projects in Mitzpe Ramon and Ramon Crater.