TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED TO PREVENT DERARTIFICATION PROCESSES IN ISRAEL

Author(s): Orlovsky Nikolay Sergeevich, Zonn Igor Sergeevich

Rubric: Environmental economics

DOI: 10.21777/2587-554X-2019-3-48-66

Release: 2019-3 (30)

Pages: 48-66

Keywords: Agriculture, greenhouse water resources, afforestation, Israel, climate, desertification

Annotation: Israel, which is 97 per cent dryland, was one of the first countries to tackle desertification. Measures to combat desertification were initiated at an early stage of the country’s development and have been strengthened to date. Prevention of desertification is based on the rational use of soil and water resources, agroforestry on the basis of temporary surface runoff, controlled environment of desert agriculture (greenhouse agriculture), organic farming, control of grazing. The sustainability of agriculture in Israel’s drylands and its relative success in preventing desertification depended on water policies. About 90% of fresh water resources in Israel are combined into a single system, which ensures the implementation of a single national policy of obtaining water and regular supply of various sectors of consumers (agriculture, household and industrial activities). Water scarcity and deteriorating water quality dictate the need to improve water efficiency and economy in Israel. In the agricultural sector, significant water savings have been achieved through technological improvements in irrigation methods, including sprinkling, drip irrigation, reuse of fresh water, wastewater treatment and desalination of saline groundwater and sea water, significantly reducing the risk of desertification. Strategic planning and policy to combat desertification in addition to improving sustainable water management and sustainable agricultural development in vulnerable regions through active erosion control programs, regulation of nomadic grazing, and promotion of water-saving and salt-tolerant crops, provides for pasture management, afforestation, and expansion of protected areas.

Bibliography: Orlovsky NI.SE., Zonn IG.SE. TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED TO PREVENT DERARTIFICATION PROCESSES IN ISRAEL // Economics and Management. – 2019. – № 3 (30). – С. 48-66. doi: 10.21777/2587-554X-2019-3-48-66