The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) is Israel's oldest and largest environmental non-profit organization. For over 60 years, SPNI has been dedicated to protecting and preserving Israel's natural resources, environment, biodiversity and unique landscape. The work carried out by SPNI now will determine what the land of Israel will look like for generations to come. Israel has reached a critical point in its development. A tiny country with a growing population, Israel’s remaining open spaces are increasingly under threat of development. SPNI is working tirelessly with policy makers and with the public, in schools, youth groups and communities all over the country to create a sustainable future for Israel in the 21st Century. The Land of Israel, ancient and biblical, has a beautiful and varied landscape with many distinct ecosystems: from the snow-capped Hermon and volcanic plateau of the Golan Heights to the pristine coral reefs and majestic mountains in Eilat, from the lush Galilee in the North to the Negev Desert in the South, from the Hula Valley wetlands of the River Jordan to the Savannas of the Arava Desert and from the sandy Mediterranean Coast to the limestone mountains of Jerusalem, all are vital to a delicate natural balance. Israel is blessed with a wide array of biodiversity. It is home to some 2,800 species of plants, more than 500 species of birds and 100 species of mammals. Located along the African-Eurasian flyway, Israel hosts over 500 million migrating birds twice each year. Israel is designated as a biodiversity hotspot where focused international conservation efforts will have the greatest effect.