National Environment Council
On November 21, 1999, the Israeli Cabinet approved
Environment Minister Dalia Itzik’s proposal to establish a National Environment Council. The decision is an
important precedent that proves that the entire government understands the
importance of environmental
issues. The government can now make proper decisions in the daily war
between the protectors of the environment and its despoilers.
The Council will comprise 75 members representing public
bodies, academe, economic sectors, Members of Knesset, religious groups,
education, literary and media groups, the Society for the Protection of
Nature in Israel (SPNI), local authorities, the Jewish National Fund (JNF)
and youth movements. Half of the Council members will be women and half
men.
The Council will submit recommendations to the
Environment Minister, government and Knesset on environmental policy
issues, while taking economic, scientific and cultural aspects into
account, raise public and individual awareness on environmental matters and
the quality of life in Israel, suggest directions for research and seek to
develop alternative forums for the exchange of opinions between the
government, public institutions, the private sector and academe, to submit
periodic reports on the environment to the Environment Minister and to
monitor the implementation of international environmental agreements by
Israel.
Sources: Israeli
Government Press Office |