The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) is Israel's largest non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving Israel's natural resources, environment, natural assets and unique landscape. SPNI was founded in 1953 and has been continuously contributing to society for over five and-a–half decades, during which time it has reached over 100,000 members from all walks of life. SPNI aspires to make a difference by identifying environmental conflicts and offering feasible solutions aiming to minimize damages to nature and the environment. Among the many activities produced by SPNI are - developing and operating formal and extracurricular educational programs, organizing public campaigns, lobbying for positive activation among decision makers and promoting alternative solutions to development plans. In addition, SPNI has developed both extensive professional knowledge as well as valuable and professional databases in specific areas of environment and wildlife such as ornithology, reclaiming water, maintaining biodiversity and protecting the natural qualities of the coastal areas. SPNI was founded in 1953 by a small group of teachers, scientists and kibbutzniks who were attempting to save the Hula Wetlands. Although the draining of the Hula swamps could not be stopped at the time, the Government finally acknowledged the validity of the protesters' claims 40 years later when, in the mid-1990s, part of the Hula valley was re-flooded and returned to its original state. Over fifty years later, SPNI is still blazing the trail for nature and the environment in Israel. As the oldest, largest and most beloved environmental organization in Israel today, SPNI is more determined than ever to guard Israel's scant open spaces, protect its coasts and beaches, and promote sustainable development in order to preserve the country's natural resources for future generations.