World Forestry: Forests and Forestry in Israel

Abstract

Abstract The forests of Israel were degraded and destroyed between biblical times and the early 20th century. Forestry efforts began just prior to World War I and accelerated with Israel's independence in 1948. The concentration has been on afforestation of barren land with pines and eucalypts and on protection of the natural oak scrub. By 1980, forests covered 100,907 ha, about 5 percent of the country's land area, and 60 percent were plantations. The most important current activities are continued afforestation and the management and protection of existing stands. Wood production has increased, but Israel must still import most of the wood products it needs. Ways are being sought to increase productivity. Recreation is a very important and increasing demand. Land-use planning is coordinated by a committee of users. There are conflicts between forestry and grazing, water production, and recreation-preservation interests. Research is attempting to provide information for resolving these questions, and to provide a sound ecological and technical foundation for forestry in Israel.