Who is KKL-JNF?
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) is Israel's largest green organization, and one of the world's oldest. Since it's establishment in 1901, KK-JNF has been developing and nurturing the land of Israel, all in appreciation for our natural and cultural heritage.
KKL-JNF advances a sustainable Israel, capable of meeting the world's challenges: dwindling agricultural land, combating desertification and climate change. KKL-JNF promotes solutions that can feed the world sustainably, using renewable resources and little water.
From its very beginning, KKL-JNF led an unprecedented forestry project, which transformed a desolate land into a marvelous green country.
Thank to KKL-JNF, Israel is the only country that entered the 21st century with a net gain in its number of trees.
KKL-JNF is...
Forestry and Ecology
The tree factory
- KKL-JNF has planted 240 million trees.
- KKL-JNF manages and maintains some 400,000 acres (160,000 ha) of forests and woodlands, which
• combat desertification
• improve carbon balance in the environment
• create "green lungs" around communities
• enhance biodiversity
- KKL-JNF develops biosphere parks, the ultimate integration of humans and their environment.
- KKL-JNF staff is on guard 24 hours a day, preventing wildfires in forests and woodlands, using the latest firefighting equipment and fire watchtowers.
- KKL-JNF implements the latest research in rehabilitating areas damaged by wildfires
Water Management
Israel recycles over 80% of its water
- KKL-JNF has helped build 230 reservoirs and dams, providing two thirds of the water for Israel's agriculture.
- KKL-JNF's recycled wastewater reservoirs free precious freshwater for domestic use while preventing groundwater pollution.
- KKL-JNF creates biofilters and constructed wetlands to aid in the purification of urban runoff and other polluted water.
- KKL-JNF, together with national institutions, cleans Israel's streams, springs and rivers and develops their potential as natural and scenic resources.
- KKL-JNF prevents erosion and desertification by repairing flood damage and regulating drainage.
Research and Development
Food security and sustainable agriculture
- KKL-JNF helps Israel maintain an agricultural and economic edge by funding basic and applied research in agriculture.
- KKL-JNF partners with international organizations to find solutions to problems concerning forestry, water and arid land management.
- KKL-JNF impacts on Israel's economy by helping to create employment opportunities in agriculture and develop fresh produce, ornamental fish and flowers for export.
- KKL-JNF is involved in renewable energy initiatives.
- KKL-JNF supports and implements R&D projects with global relevance and shares its knowledge with other countries.
People and their Environment
Promoting local economies
- KKL-JNF develops recreation sites, agricultural infrastructure and revenue-generating tourism facilities.
- KKL-JNF prepared over 950,000 acres (380,000 ha) of land for agriculture and infrastructure for developing communities.
- KKL-JNF develops parks and community forests that make a difference to the quality of life for both urban and rural dwellers.
- KKL-JNF landscapes and develops the environs of educational and residential institutions throughout Israel.
- KKL-JNF undertakes landscaping and building projects for vulnerable populations, including for hospitals, day centers for people with disabilities and centers for at-risk youth.
- KKL-JNF is making its forests and parks accessible to everyone, including people with physical challenges.
Tourism
Opening Israel to the world
- KKL-JNF has created thousands of parks, forests and recreation sites, open 24/7, welcoming some 12 million visitors a year.
- KKL-JNF has created thousands of kilometers of cycling trails and hiking paths crisscrossing the country's length and breadth.
- KKL-JNF is working to make existing parks accessible to all.
- KKL-JNF plays a key role in restoring Israel's historical and archaeological sites.
- KKL-JNF organizes events and tours for the public, many which are free of charge.
Education
Preparing today's youth for tomorrow's challenges
- KKL-JNF educates thousands of young people in Israel and abroad, forging a lasting bond with the Land of Israel.
- KKL-JNF created MAOF, KKL-JNF’s innovative environmental program for new immigrant students and disadvantaged youth in peripheral communities.
- KKL-JNF runs the Green Open Classrooms for Young Leadership project; an educational leadership program in ecology and love of the land.
- KKL-JNF creates fun-filled learning environments for children and young people at its Field & Forest Education Centers.
- KKL-JNF reaches out to the public through Israel Friends of KKL-JNF, the KKL-JNF website, The Jerusalem Post's "Green Israel" column, and public events in forests and nature for everyone.