EcoPeace in the News

After a tour around the Sea of Galilea and the Jordan River with EcoPeace, The Guardian published an in-depth article this month on how ongoing conflict and drought have led to the dire situation of the Sea of Galilea and the Jordan River. EcoPeace was quoted in the article and we encourage our friends to share it with your networks.

EcoPeace’s Three Directors Participate in the Planetary Security Conference at The Hague

EcoPeace’s three Directors Gidon Bromberg, Nada Majdalani and Yana Abu Taleb participated in the Planetary Security Conference, in the Hague from the 19th – 20th of February. The EcoPeace directors joined over 450 diplomats, military personnel, development professionals, local and regional leaders, scientists and private sector players to discuss progress and the immediate needs to achieve climate security. EcoPeace had the opportunity to present our vision on the regional Water Energy Nexus as well as participating in a panel on the role of civil society in engaging the various stakeholders including the grassroots, government and private sector to achieve the shared vision of climate security in the Middle East.

EcoPeace Palestine Director Participated in the Water and Peace Seminar in The Hague

Palestinian Director of EcoPeace, Mrs. Nada Majdalani participated in the Water and Peace Seminar, which took place from the 21st-22nd of February in the Humanity Hub in The Hague. The seminar was hosted by The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the City of The Hague and IHE Delft. The seminar focused on the no significant harm principle from a number of different perspectives, including international law, water resources management and water diplomacy. EcoPeace’s experience was given special attention in the seminar and highlighted as model in the Middle East that can be transferred to other regions in conflict over shared water resources.
EcoPeace Israel Director Speaks at the Munich Security Conference

EcoPeace’s Israeli Director Mr. Gidon Bromberg was invited to speak at this year’s Munich Security conference. The annual conference brings together more than 450 senior decision-makers and thought-leaders from around the world to engage in an intensive debate on security challenges. Mr. Bromberg spoke about broader human and environmental security concerns and in particular the growing impact climate change is having on the Middle East and its potential to exacerbate existing conflicts. The conference was an opportunity to present our new report on Climate Change, Water Security and National Security and solutions such as the Water Energy Nexus.

SIDA Delegation Visit

On February 7th, EcoPeace hosted a delegation from the Swedish International Development Agency at the SHE Park in Jordan. The delegation was given an overview of EcoPeace’s projects, objectives, history and the projects that the organization has advanced. Following this, they listened to local community members speak about how the area has changed. They spoke with several students involved with EcoPeace who expressed how much they have learned and how participating in EcoPeace initiatives sparked their interest in the regional environment.

First Student Neighbors Path Tour of the Year in Palestine

On the 1st of February 40 students from different schools in Ramallah participated in a tour to the Jordan Valley. The aim of the tour was to explore the transboundary nature of Jordan Valley and to learn about water resources and the challenges in this area. This tour is the first of a series that will be carried out with different groups of Palestinian students.

Seed Teachers’ 4th meeting and Tour

The fourth and final seed teachers’ meeting took place on January 21st in Jericho. The meeting was able to include a teacher from Gaza via skype and was led by two experts who have been leading the meetings. This final meeting was followed by a full day tour to different related transboundary water resources in the Jordan Valley.

The above activities are part of the Good Water Neighbors (GWN) project which is supported by the Swedish International Development Agency.

EcoPeace Israeli Office Holds Successful Ashkelon Conference on the Health and Sanitation Crisis in Gaza

On February 22nd EcoPeace Israel office organized a conference with Ashkelon Academic College’s Department of Public Health. Prof. Nadav Davidovich from Ben Gurion University presented the findings of a report which discusses the crisis in Gaza and the dangers of the spread of resistant bacteria, contamination of seawater and drinking water, air pollution and the impact of the ongoing violence on the mental health of Gazans. The conference included a panel with a Member of Knesset, mayors and heads of regional councils surrounding the Gaza Strip and a second panel of experts to discuss the main issues further. Over 100 people from Ashkelon, and surrounding towns participated in the conference. The conference had a strong social media presence and was covered by several Israeli media outlets. See links for coverage in Hebrew and English.

EcoPeace Leads tour for Canadian Ambassador

EcoPeace’s Israeli Director led The Canadian Ambassador to Israel on a tour of areas around Gaza. On the tour they discussed the causes and potential outcomes of the Gaza water and sanitation crisis.

Activities conducted in the Hebron/Negev/Basin are supported by the Government of Canada.