Says move will allow him to continue his activities for social justice and the protection of nature.
By Zafrir Rinat

Former MK and Agriculture Minister Haim Oron has been chosen to head the executive committee of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, and over the weekend held meetings with his colleagues at the SPNI field school on Mount Hermon.

“My move to the Society for the Protection of Nature seems natural,” said Oron. “It will allow me to continue my public activities for social justice and the protection of nature for everyone.”

Oron, 72, a member of Kibbutz Lahav in the Negev, also headed the Meretz party until retiring last year. He is replacing Gershon Peleg, who had previously been SPNI’s CEO and will remain a member of the executive committee.

Peleg welcomed Oron’s election, saying Oron personified the values of the organization, including the love of the land and its vistas, education and activities to preserve nature and the environment.

The SPNI is the largest and most veteran environmental organization in Israel, with a focus primarily on education, though it is also considered a leader in nature preservation, with a branch of professionals dealing with this issue. SPNI’s executive committee acts as its board of directors, setting the organization’s policy.

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/former-meretz-head-oron-to-take-over-spni-executive-1.412547