Thank you, Mr. Chairman. At the outset, I wish to congratulate you and the other members of the Bureau for your excellent work and able stewardship of this year’s UN Forum on Forests thus far. I would also like to thank the Secretariat for its ongoing efforts on this very important issue.

In the spirit of the day, Israel has elected not print any copies of this speech for distribution. Anyone wishing to obtain a copy of the speech can view and print it online at the Permanent Mission of Israel to the United Nations’ website (israel-un.org/).

Mr. Chairman,

Israel remains committed to advancing policies and forging partnerships that allow communities around the globe to realize the profound economic, social, and environmental benefits of preserving and building sustainable forests. 

Ever since Abraham planted a Tamarix tree in Beersheba, the Jewish tradition has emphasized the importance of living in harmony with nature.

In the spirit of this tradition, Israel has pursued reforestation as a key national priority, making great strides in restoring a forest environment that had been completely decimated at the time of our state’s establishment in 1948. With the addition of some 240 million trees, Israel is proud to be the only country that began the 21st Century with more trees than it began the 20th Century.

This success has resulted from effective public policy, ongoing educational efforts, and the use of innovative reforestation techniques.

A small, dense, and largely urban country, Israel has enacted policies that protect the nation’s forests in the face of development. For example, recent legislation requires all development projects to secure approval from Israel’s forest service –– the KKL –– and to offset any trees cut down with new ones of the same quality.

To complement these policies, the KKL oversees the development of community forests and ongoing educational programs, helping to strengthen the bond between people and their nearby environment. These efforts include the celebration of the Jewish holiday Tu B’Shevat –– the day of the trees –– during which citizens are encouraged to plant trees in their communities.

In response to Israel’s unique climate, the KKL has developed advanced methods for planting trees in arid and semi arid zones, using sophisticated runoff harvesting techniques. Today we are also increasingly focused on advancing policies and management practices that promote "close to nature" forestry.

Israel is sharing our expertise in forestry with other countries, such as Rwanda, where the KKL is now in the process of establishing a new nursery.

Mr. Chairman,

Israel believes strongly that the international community must act boldly and collectively to overcome the universal threat of climate change.

Just a few months ago, my country witnessed how extreme weather conditions can create potentially catastrophic consequences for forests. In the Mount Carmel area of Northern Israel, a series of droughts helped to produce conditions that led to devastating wildfires, claiming 44 lives. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the United Nations and the many members of the international community who offered and provided assistance to Israel during this crisis.

Mr. Chairman,

This forum highlights undeniable challenges that we face as nations and as a global community. Israel stands ready to play its part in the critical effort to develop sustainable forests by sharing our unique experience, exchanging best practices, and working hand in hand with partners around the world.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.