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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
The Center for International Cooperation (MASHAV in Hebrew) in the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for designing, coordinating and
implementing Israels international development cooperation
programmes,
especially with less developed countries
With regard to sustainable
development, MASHAV coordinates its efforts with relevant agencies: The Ministry
of the Environment on matters related to combating pollution and resources
conservation, the Ministry of Agriculture on development of sustainable
agriculture and sustainable water resource management, the Ministry of Housing
on habitat-related matters, as well as the Ministry of National infrastructures,
the Ministry of Science, the Ministry of Education and other government
agencies.
MASHAV in the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs coordinates Israeli policy on
cooperation/development for sustainable development. It coordinates its
activities with relevant ministerial agencies.
Authority for decision making on international cooperation and sustainable development is at the national level. However, some cooperation exists at the local level, in the framework of sister towns. Also, in the field of education, cooperative projects between Israeli and foreign schools exist. Notable is the role of the kibbutzim in promoting international cooperation. Kibbutzim (cooperative frameworks) cooperate with foreign countries, including developing countries, mainly on agricultural topics (integrated pest management, biological agriculture). In such cases, decision-making is delegated to the local level.
Decision-Making: Legislation and Regulations
There are no specific laws or regulations related to cooperation for
sustainable development at sub-regional, regional and international levels nor
foreign policy regulations or directives related to Agenda 21.
However, the process of formulating a draft sustainable development
strategy for Israel was influenced by international, regional and sub-regional
factors, including Agenda 21 and Agenda Med 21. In November 1999, the government
decided to establish a National Council for the Environment. The Council,
founded in September 2000, will advise the parliament and the government on
environmental planning and on sustainable development issues, including
international and regional cooperation.
An increasingly liberal and open trade and foreign
direct investment regime has contributed to Israels economic development.
Israel is continuing to move towards an open trade policy regime, mostly
through an increasing number of preferential trade agreements. The
government has concluded a set of international commercial agreements that have
placed Israel in a unique position of having Free Trade Agreements and
cooperation agreements with both the U.S.A. and Europe. This can be viewed as an
important component
of
a broader programme toward trade liberalization, comprising a gradual reduction of
import duties which also extends to countries with which no preferential trade
agreements exist.
After completing free trade agreement with the European Union and the
USA, Israel has expanded its free trade agreements to Canada, Turkey, the Czech
Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary, Jordan, Poland, Slovenia and Mexico.
Israel also maintains a free trade agreement with EFTA countries since 1993. As
a result of these agreements, the actual average customs duty paid has halved
since 1993 to 1% in tandem with a reduction of the MFN tariff rates.
Israel has been a member of the General Agreement of Tariff & Trade
(GATT) since 1962 and took an active part in the Uruguay Round negotiations
which led to the establishment of the World Trade Organization in 1995. Within
the framework of its WTO commitments, Israel has modernized its customs
valuation legislation and mandatory standards are increasingly being aligned
with international standards.
Israel will continue to promote international trade, investment and
economic cooperation, including removal of trade barriers and distortions to
global trade. In this context,
Israel views the WTO as a cornerstone of its trade policy.
Israel is a member of the
World Bank and of other banking organizations and, as such, assists the private
sector in technical and bureaucratic matters related to international tenders
for sustainable development activities in other countries.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
Israeli policy on regional
cooperation in sustainable development is largely based on cooperation within
the framework of the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development. Within
this framework and within the framework of the Mediterranean Action Plan, in
particular, Israel cooperates with other Mediterranean states.
Multilateral cooperation and
agreements are undertaken within the framework of international conventions on
the environment, programmes by United Nations agencies, and bilateral agreements
for environmental cooperation with numerous states including the USA, Germany,
Egypt, Spain, Turkey, England and others. In addition, MASHAV's international
cooperation programme reflects the goals set forth in the Global Initiative on
Sustainable Development. This
center works both with governments and with UN agencies to provide development
assistance through training activities.
Policy on trade liberalization and globalization is directed at trade
and foreign exchange liberalization, deregulation and privatization. The
unilateral trade liberalization programme in industrial imports launched in the
early 1990s to expose domestic industry to foreign competition has been
implemented: import restrictions and non-tariff barriers have been eliminated
and MFN tariff rates have been reduced on almost all industrial products. In
addition, Israeli trade policy aims at continuing the expansion of its network
of bilateral trade agreements while enhancing the process of trade
liberalization at the multilateral level.
MASHAV has entered into international cooperation agreements, both on a
bilateral and multilateral basis. Sharing efforts with a growing number of
countries and international organizations has enabled Israel to contribute more
significantly to the global efforts toward improving human living conditions.
MASHAV has sought to systematically increase its programming with other donor
countries and UN agencies to expand coordinated and cost-effective human
development opportunities throughout the developed world. These agreements,
designed to implement the partnership approach" helps to
provide the necessary
budgetary resources that allow MASHAV to continue its cooperation activities
through integrated human and institutional capacity development and
demonstration.
Israel promotes technology transfer, mostly in the field of sustainable agriculture, combating desertification and environmentally sound use of water resources. The Israel Export Institute is the primary organization facilitating trade ties, joint ventures and strategic alliances between overseas businesses and Israeli companies.
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
The major groups included in decision-making processes on international
and regional cooperation for sustainable development include the scientific and
technological community and NGOs. All of MASHAVs activities are carried out
in cooperation with relevant government ministries, universities, research
institutions and professional bodies.
The advent of the Middle East peace process has witnessed the emergence of several new non-governmental organizations committed to promoting regional cooperation for environmental protection and sustainable development. They include Friends of the Earth Middle East, composed of Israelis, Palestinians, Jordanians and Egyptians, involved in projects related to sustainable tourism development, renewable energy and the impacts of transboundary pollution. The Palestinian-Israeli Environmental Secretariat is another NGO promoting cooperation on environmental concerns.
MASHAV
carries out its mandate with the assistance of affiliated study centers,
academic and professional institutions and experts in various fields from
different sectors. Thus, for example, the Center for International Agricultural
Development Cooperation draws upon the professional skills of experts and
researchers in Israels Ministry of Agriculture and other public entities, as
well as from national farmers' organizations and the private sector.
A professional and operational network has likewise been developed with
NGOs. To best fulfill its mandate, MASHAV implements a practice of regular
meetings with experts and trainers from all its affiliate institutions to
identify issues for further investigations and conclusions for action. A major
symposium with the participation of all affiliate representatives was recently
held to crystallize strategies for coming years. The scientific and
technological community is actively involved in international cooperation programmes. MASHAV runs training centers in cooperation with different research
institutions and universities. Programmes deal with sustainable development issues
such as integrated pest management, sustainable energy, environmental
management, public administration and many others.
As mentioned in the preceding question, Friends of the Earth Middle East
is an example of an NGO involved in regional cooperation projects in the field
of sustainable development.
Partnerships
between government and these groups are based both on joint training activities
and on financial support by government of these organizations. Several
ministries, including the Environment Ministry, the Agriculture Ministry, and
the Science Ministry, finance these activities.
The private
sector is involved in international cooperation activities and programs through
corporate partnerships and export. Several bilateral research foundations have
been established to foster civilian research, agricultural research, and hi-tech
cooperation between industries. The funds are financed by Israel and its partner
country.
Historically
the government has had substantial involvement in nearly all sectors of the
economy. However, in the past
decade, a central aim of the government's economic policy has been to reduce
its role in the economy and to promote private sector growth. In order to advance these goals, the government has pursued a
policy of privatizing state-owned enterprises.
The Office of
the Chief Scientist at the Ministry of Industry and Trade encourages and
supports research and development in order to foster the development of
technology oriented industries in Israel. Different
programmes exist for the support of innovative generic technologies, product
development, beta sites, market feasibility studies and business plans.
Israeli companies participate in international tenders published by
countries worldwide. The Israel
Export Institute is the primary organization facilitating trade ties, joint
ventures and strategic alliances between overseas businesses and Israeli
companies. The Institute is a non-profit organization which was founded in 1958
as a joint venture between the Israeli government and the private sector
to promote international trade.
Unskilled and semi-skilled laborers in such
industries as the textile industries are most adversely affected by trade
liberalization and globalization. Incentive and subsidy programmes, vocational
retraining programmes, on-the-job training programmes, and business tutorial programmes have been set up by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and other
government bodies to help different sectors to adjust to Israels move from a
low-tech to a high-tech economy.
Programmes and Projects
Major activities within Israel in the field of sustainable development
involving multilateral financing include the Coastal Area Management Programme for
Israel, within the framework of the Mediterranean Action Plan of the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The objectives of this programme, which took
place between 1996 and 1999 included the following: To encourage policy makers
of economic development sectors to take responsibility for the environmental
impact of their decision and to incorporate environmental considerations in
their decision-making processes (sustainable development, capacity building,
economic instruments); and to improve the professional basis for policy making
on issues not sufficiently covered in current coastal zone management (pollution
control, beach erosion, cliff stability, climate change, biodiversity).
Another important Israeli programme is the RESSAC project, acronym for
Remote Sensing Support for Analysis of Coasts. This project, which was first
conceived by MAP's Regional Activity Center for Environmental Remote Sensing (RAC/ERS),
was officially launched in 1997 within the framework of the European Commission
Programme on Environment and Climate. It aimed to demonstrate the usefulness and
cost-effectiveness of multi-satellite data in the assessment and monitoring of
coastal erosion phenomena. The project has focused on monitoring and study of
the following aspects of coastal erosion: shoreline changes, coastal land cover,
bathymetry assessment, suspended sediment analysis, sand inventory and sea-state
and wind.
Several Israeli projects were financed by the European Union, within the
framework of its LIFE II programmes. These
related to the restoration and conservation of fauna and flora, centralized
treatment of organic waste, restoration of coastal rivers, municipal solid waste
management and protection of endangered birds.
Israel's
bilateral cooperation programs are largely based on technical and scientific
cooperation and capacity building rather than the provision of financial
resources. Emergency aid is provided in cases of natural catastrophes.
Technical
assistance programmes are organized by MASHAV, the Center for International
Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. MASHAV's activities comprise
courses in Israel for trainees from various countries or from the same country,
on-the-spot courses conducted at the request of the recipient country for local
trainees, short-term consultancies, long-term consultancies and joint research programmes, in cooperation with Germany and the Netherlands to support trilateral
research programmes designed to assist the developing world.
Several
projects have focused on the eradication of poverty, especially through courses
on Community Development and Income Generation with modules on Grassroots
Management Training. Special
emphasis is placed on working with poor women in Africa to help them manage
projects, groups and businesses more efficiently and profitably.
The focus of programmes is to develop ways in which nations not only
overcome poverty but maintain the ability to continue to do so on their own,
through such means as developing potential industry.
Status
Israel's development assistance is largely in the form of training,
both in Israel and abroad, and consultancies. However, emergency relief is also
an important part of international cooperation. Emergency aid assistance is
extended to countries throughout the world whose populations are victims of
natural disasters such as earthquakes or hurricanes. Such aid may take the form of financial assistance for the
purchase of medical equipment, food supplies, tents and blankets or in the form
of expert missions, usually medical experts, to provide high-level assistance to
neighboring countries.
Since its
establishment in 1958, fruitful cooperation has been ongoing with over 140
countries/authorities, with over 70,000 alumni having participated in skills
enrichment courses in Israel and over 90,000 professionals trained in on-site
courses in their home countries. The Israeli experience particularly suits the
needs in development of human resources, placing a special emphasis to enhance
cooperation in the fields of food security, rural and agricultural development,
primary and secondary health care, special education programmes and institutional
building. Special focus is placed on agricultural and rural development programs
which strive to address the problems of food security and sustainable resource
use and development. A major area
of development cooperation is the implementation of research, development and
training for different facets of arid zone agriculture. Another focal activity
relates to different aspects of water resource development and utilization.
Courses on subjects related to environmental protection include integrated pest
management and protection of biodiversity in desert ecosystems.
Trading programmes exist between Israel and several countries and regions. Free trade agreements have been concluded with the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, several countries in Central Europe, the USA, Canada and Mexico, among others.
Israel's international activities in the
field of sustainable development are carried out within the framework of
international and regional organizations, foremost among which is the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and at a regional level, the Mediterranean
Action Plan (MAP).
Following are some highlights of recent
activities and international conventions in which Israel was actively involved:
1)
Combating
Desertification: Israel, with its wide experience in preventing and combating
desertification, was one of the first nations to sign and ratify the Convention
to Combat Desertification (in March 1996). Israel has taken an active part in
the Asian regional conferences and has presented national papers on measures to
combat desertification. In line with its accumulated experience and its
commitments under the convention, Israel is establishing an International Center
for Combating Desertification in Sde Boker in the Negev Desert. In April 1997,
under UN auspices, Israel hosted a three-day expert meeting on potential
Synergies in the Implementation of the Convention on Combating Desertification and Drought, Biodiversity, Climate Change and the Forest Principles, conducted
at the Blaustein Institute for Desert Research at Ben-Gurion University of the
Negev.
2)
Ozone protection: Israel ratified the
Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, the Montreal Protocol
on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer as well as the London, Copenhagen and
Vienna Amendments. To comply with all provisions, Israel prohibits or restricts
the import of ozone depleting materials with the exception of recycled
materials, enforces the restrictions placed on methyl bromide production in
Israel, and invests major efforts in finding alternatives to methyl bromide.
3)
Transport of
Hazardous Waste: Israel ratified the Basel Convention on the Control of
Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal in 1994. Israel
supports the development of a gPrior Informed Consenth (PIC) Convention. In
1997, Israel submitted a comprehensive report on the environmental aspects of
hazardous substances management in Israel to the Joint Committee of the Chemical
Group and Management Committee of the Special Programme on the Control of
Chemicals in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
4)
Climate Change: Israel ratified the
Climate Change Convention in May 1996 and signed the Kyoto Protocol in December
1998. The country has prepared a national greenhouse gas inventory, mitigation
options for reducing emissions, and a preliminary assessment of vulnerability
and adaptation measures to climate change. It has submitted its First National
Communication to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in November 2000.
5)
Protection of Flora and Fauna: Israel
ratified the Convention in International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Nature and National Parks Protection Authority is
responsible for its implementation at the national level. Israel ratified the
Convention on Biological Diversity in 1995 and submitted its first national
report to the secretariat in 1997. Israel ratified the Convention on Wetlands of
International Importance (the Ramsar Convention) in 1996. Two Israeli sites were
designated as wetlands of International Importance in the Ramsar List: the
Hula Reserve and the En Afek Reserve.
6)
Israel contributes to the protection of the Mediterranean Sea environment
within the framework of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP). In the framework of
MAP, Israel has implemented two projects: a Coastal Areas Management Program
(CAMP) for Israel, inaugurated in 1996, and a sub regional agreement between
Egypt, Cyprus and Israel on preparedness and cooperation in response to medium
and large-scale oil spill, signed in 1995.
Israel
has entered into bilateral trade agreements with several other countries. These,
however do not relate directly to the promotion of sustainable development..
Although
Israel has not played an active role in promoting Agenda 21 at the regional and
international levels, it has striven to cooperate with its neighbors to promote
sustainable development. An environmental chapter was added to the peace treaty
signed between Israel and Jordan in 1994. In addition, the multilateral track of
the Middle East peace process has stressed cooperation on sustainable
development issues.
At
the regional level, Israel promotes Agenda 21 through its activities within the
framework of the Mediterranean Action Plan. Its activities encourage the
implementation of the principles set out in Med Agenda 21.
In developing its own
sustainable development policies, Israel has built partnerships with other
countries, such as The Netherlands which are also densely populated and
characterized by rapid economic growth, for the purpose of learning from their
experience. Israel is also ready to offer its own experience and expertise in
areas related to sustainable water development and renewable sources of energy
such as solar energy. Israel experience in developing its sustainable
development documents can serve as an example to other countries, with similar
conditions. Different packages of measures will be relevant to different
countries and therefore countries which are most similar to Israel will most
likely profit from its experience.
Challenges
Within the framework of the Coastal Areas Management Programme (CAMP) which was signed between Israel and MAP, a final integrated report on Israel experience in developing sustainable development strategies was prepared. The program was seen as a laboratory of a new approach of sustainable development which would be of interest and use to other Mediterranean countries and to discussions of the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development. The results should be integrated into future activities of MAP, MCSD and CAMPS in other Mediterranean countries.
Issues such as public transport, public awareness and involvement in sustainable development policy, sustainable cities and sustainable tourism require most immediate attention for bilateral or multilateral cooperation. Other essential issues relate to water use and development and protection of biodiversity and endangered species.
Major challenges include
raising awareness of international concepts of sustainable development in all
sectors and at all levels, including the local level, and finding ways of
building up confidence and trust between various partners in order to allow for
the presentation of interests clearly with the aim of promoting cooperation in
sustainable development.
The slow pace of privatization in some sectors
represents a challenge in eliminating trade barriers. Farming remains subject to government intervention and
depends on subsidies and cheap water, although subsidies have been declining in
real terms in recent years.
Education and
access to information are major elements of MASHAV work. Israel has
developed courses for training hundreds of education professionals from around
the world, who have returned to their countries to make tangible progress in
their own states. A major focus of activity is early childhood education. The
Ofri International Study Center was established as a MASHAV extension, in
cooperation with the Israel Ministry of Education. It concentrates on
educational fields that contribute to human resource development and regional
upbuilding. Three main fields of activities were designed: education, technology
and science, education and community and adult education. MASHAV training
courses offered in 2000 include education for science and technology,
computerization of social systems, community education and media strategies for
community development.
All
of Israelfs universities offer educational programmes on international
relations. The Department of International Relations at the Hebrew University of
Jerusalem offers courses in all the fields of international relations, from
theoretical issues to diplomacy, international law and international economy and
security.
Capacity
building, through technical training and technology transfer, is the central aim
of MASHAV. One of MASHAV's main branches is its Cooperative Development
Program which aims to train professionals in new ways to enhance their
society's economy and policy-making. Economic and social development also
ranks high in MASHAV programmes. Training courses and workshops on Management of
Income Generating Projects have been offered as well as courses on such subjects
as the role of computers in economic and social development. A tailor-made
course was conducted on Organization of Community and Municipal Services and
recent activity is focusing on the operation of small businesses.
Capacity building is needed for negotiating
environmental agreements to bring about global benefit and in incorporating
environmental considerations in global economic agreements.
Israel is currently reviewing various market-oriented mechanisms for
promoting sustainable development and studying different methods of integrating
different aspects of environment and economic development.
Through the
Golda Meir Mount Carmel International Training Center, founded within the
framework of MASHAV international cooperation work, special emphasis is
placed on human resource development by training women and men toward
sustainable development for their communities. Several workshops have been held
on such subjects as Women and Microenterprises and Empowering Women in the
Community. In addition, International Symposiums were held on Women, Development
and Public Policy, Economy Development, Entrepreneurship and Gender and
Women's Leadership to Help Women Help Themselves.
With regard to programmes involving multilateral financing for sustainable
development in other countries, the Center for International Cooperation (MASHAV)
in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cooperates with many UN agencies dedicated to
human enrichment and capacity-building. Though
modest in scope, Israel, as a member of the donor community, has been working
with many UN agencies on providing development assistance through training
activities.
Public
awareness of this issue begins at the school level. Some 60 Israeli schools take
part in the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE)
project. The program focuses on global environmental issues and utilizes the
Internet for information sharing.
The
development of the peace process in recent years has helped raise awareness of
the importance of regional and international cooperation for sustainable
development.
Information
on international conferences and conventions is published by the Ministry of the
Environment and international cooperation issues are also featured on the
websites of the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
NGOs such as Friends of the Earth Middle East foster public awareness of regional cooperation for sustainable development through publications, campaigns and the Internet.
Information
Direct measures for promoting private sector investment in other
countries for the promotion of sustainable development do not exist.
However, various organs within the government facilitate participation of
Israeli firms in business ventures in other countries which, inter alia,
help promote sustainable development. Thus, for example, the Israel Export
Institute, the Ministry of the Environment, and the Center for International
Cooperation (MASHAV) have cooperated in publishing an environmental technology
directory for the purpose of disseminating information on relevant Israeli
technology to customers and markets worldwide.
This has allowed the environmental industry to present innovative Israeli
technologies and to establish partnerships with appropriate companies in
developed and developing countries. An
International Exhibition for Environmental Technologies (Environment 2001) is
being planned in Tel Aviv for May 2001. The programme includes an exhibition and
an international conference on joint environmental projects in the Middle East
and is organized by the Israel Trade Fairs & Convention Center, under the
auspices of the Ministry of the Environment, the Israel Export Institute and the
Manufacturers' Association of Israel.
As from June 1st, 1999, the Act of Freedom of Information was enacted by the State of Israel. According to the Act, any person who is a resident of Israel is entitled to receive information from governmental authorities (except for trade secrets or security matters). Information related to trade, investment and economic growth is accessible to potential users through different mediums, such as formal publications and on the internet.
Relevant national World Wide Web sites:
Information
is available in reports published by different ministries, especially the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Information on cooperation in the economic domain
is available through the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Industry and
Trade. Information on cooperation in the field of the environment is available
on the sites of the different ministries. Following is a list of the main sites:
Ministry
of Foreign Affairs www.mfa.gov.il
Environment
Ministry www.environment.gov.il
Ministry
of Trade and Industry www.mti.gov.il
Such
information is disseminated and shared through ministerial publications, both in
Hebrew and in English. Annual reports are published and relevant information is
also available on the web.
White
papers do not exist in Israel. Quarterly bulletins are published by some
ministries.
Research and Technologies
Two
programmes
in research under the auspices of MASHAV, Germany and The Netherlands,
are conducted. The German-Israel Agricultural Research Agreement, carries out
agricultural research between institutions in Israel, Germany and developing
countries while dozens of research projects are included in the
Netherlands-Israel Research Programmes which emphasizes the social, economic and
cultural aspects of rural development. Projects
are conducted in numerous developing countries and in the Palestinian Authority.
Israel's current priorities relate to the development of technologies for sustainable energy, sustainable agriculture and arid land development, water technologies. Transfer and dissemination of technology and technical know-how frequently take the form of courses, workshops and seminar in Israel and abroad.
The public sector financially supports international cooperation involving the private sector.
The Chief Scientist Office in the Ministry of Industry and Trade regulates the flow of technology on research and development projects supported by this office. Organizations such as the Israel Export Institute facilitate strategic alliances and promotion of environmentally sound technologies through international cooperation.
Experts from Israel cooperate with experts in other
countries in joint research in several fields linked to sustainable development.
These include development of environmental indicators for the Mediterranean
region, integrated pest management, combating desertification, water management,
sustainable industry and development of alternative sources of energy. This
joint research is based on exchange of information and exchange of experts.
Professional networking is ongoing between experts in Israel and those outside.
Financing
Percentage of
allocation is unknown. The majority
of funds are allocated to capacity building and poverty eradication.
International development programs coordinated by MASHAV are carried out in 140 different countries/authorities in Africa, Asia and Oceania, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East and North Africa and Europe. Specific targeted areas include economic development, growth and privatization, food security, agricultural research and development, combating desertification, and desert studies, community development including education and the empowerment of women, primary and public healthcare, environmental conservation and protection, education in science and technology, civil society including management of NGOs, youth leadership, education for democracy and peace and conflict resolution, and integrated rural regional development.
MASHAV has signed agreements on technical
cooperation with the USA, The Netherlands and Denmark which cover a proportion
of MASHAVfs budget. In addition,
agreements have been signed with the governments of Sweden, Norway and Germany.
Agreements also exist with international organizations involved in technical
cooperation activities in developing countries such as FAO, UNDP, UNESCO, WHO,
EDI (World Bank) and the African Development Bank. Some have signed programs of
cooperation with Israel under which these organizations sponsor fellowships for
professionals throughout the developing world to study in MASHAV courses in
Israel or fund Israeli experts to serve as consultants to developing countries
in different subjects. MASHAV itself funds numerous training programs and
courses in Israel and abroad.
Israel has adopted the partnership approach
whereby it works together with donor and recipient partners to make
the best use of the knowledge and skills of its own experts, to learn from
others and to broaden the impact of limited budgetary resources.
Cooperation
No information is available.
* * *
This information is based on Israel's submission to the 8th and 9th Sessions of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last update: March 2001.
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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
There is no institutional mechanism to identify "hot-spots" in the integration of trade and environment issues. However, there is a strong cooperation between the Ministry of the Environment and the industrial factors in Israel, such as the Manufacturers Association of Israel and the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce. Each has a designated person to liaise with the Ministry of the Environment. This cooperation and interaction includes information exchange, consulting on legal matters, reciprocal up-dating and joint efforts in solving common problems.
Decision-Making: Legislation and Regulations
The Israeli exporting industries are usually more environmental-friendly than industries for the local markets. Therefore, they do not create "hot-spots".
There has been no derogation of any specific environmental legislation or regulation as an inducement to foreign direct investment.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
No information is available
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available
Programmes and Projects
No information is available
Status
During the last decade the State of Israel has gone through some major changes which have affected its economy and economic growth rate. At the beginning of the nineties there was a big wave of immigration to Israel, a fact that brought about a major national economic growth until the end of 1995. From 1996, the trend began to reverse and the national economic growth has been in sharp decline, even to the point of reaching negative growth rate.
The above process also generated a change in trends in investments, import-export balance and payments balance. However, as far as the Ministry of the Environment is concerned, there are no special linkages between poverty and trade and investments apart from those accepted as general economic theories.
Challenges
No information is available
Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising
No information is available
Information
As from June 1st, 1999, the Act of Freedom of Information was enacted by the State of Israel. According to the Act, any person who is a resident of Israel is entitled to receive information from governmental authorities (except for trade secrets or security matters). Information related to trade, investment and economic growth is accessible to potential users through different mediums, such as formal publications and on the internet.
Relevant national World Wide Web sites:
Ministry of Industry and Trade
Research and Technologies
No information is available
Financing
No information is available
Cooperation
No information is available
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* * *
This information is based on Israel's submission to the 8th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last update: March 2001.
Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
No information is available
Decision-Making: Legislation and Regulations
No information is available
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
No information is available
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available
Programmes and Projects
No information is available
Status
GDP per capita was $US13,644 in 1994. Private consumption per head was 14% higher in 1993 than in 1989, with a 3% growth per year. According to family expenditure surveys, the share of health expenditure increased in total expenditure from 5.3% in 1987 to 7.1% in 1993.
Challenges
No information is available
Capacity-building, Education, Training
and Awareness-raising
No information is available
Information
No information is available
Research and Technologies
No information is available
Financing
No information is available
Cooperation
No information is available
***
This information is based on Israels submission to the 5th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: 1 April 1997
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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
No information is available
Decision-Making: Legislation and Regulations
No information is available
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
There has been no attempt to introduce new environmental taxes, levies or charges, yet. No analysis to identify environmentally unsustainable subsidies has been carried out. There have been no new policies to make foreign direct investment (FDI) more environmentally friendly. The cooperation with the financial sector will enable the Ministry of the Environment to develop regulations and other tools, which are needed in order to encourage the inclusion of information on the environment in the capital market data-system and in investment projects which are being financed in Israel.
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
In 1999, the Ministry had initiated a meeting with the financial services in Israel on the subject: "Environmental Financial Risks and Opportunities", in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme - Financial Institutions Initiative. (The meeting will be held in October 1999 in Israel).
Programmes and Projects
The Division of Standards, Economic and Information of the Ministry of the Environment had initiated a long run project, including several initial steps which have been already taken in 1999, for the purpose of raising the inclusion of environmental consideration into the financial services’ policies and practices.
Status
No information is available
Challenges
No information is available
Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising
Also, all the authorities related to the financial sector in Israel have been introduced to and presented with the above subject during 1999, for the purpose of raising awareness and initiating cooperation towards the inclusion of environmental consideration into their policies (for example: the Israeli Securities Authority, The Supervisor of Banks - Bank of Israel).
Information
No information is available
Research and Technologies
No information is available
Financing
No information is available
Cooperation
No information is available
* * *
This information is based on Israel's submission to the 8th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last update: October 1999.
For information on
participating States in the Global Environment Facility, click here:
For information about
issues and projects in Middle East and North Africa from the World Bank, click here:
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Transfer of Environmentally Sound Technology
No information available.
* * *
Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
The Ministry of Agriculture, specifically the Division of Plant Protection, established an inter-ministerial and inter-disciplinary committee on bio-safety, biotechnology/gene technology in December 1996. The Nature Reserves Authority is one of the professional bodies involved in the Committee, which also has representatives from universities and research centers, the Ministry of Science, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The committee will deal with recommendations for necessary legislative changes regarding bio-safety, taking into consideration the Convention on Biological Diversity, among other issues.
Decision-Making: Legislation and Regulations
No information is available
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
No information is available
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
No information is available
Programmes and Projects
No information is available
Status
No information is available
Challenges
No information is available
Capacity-building, Education, Training and Awareness-raising
No information is available
Information
No information is available
Research and Technologies
No information is available
Financing
Several scientific institutes and universities, together with industry and certain government ministries, are involved in biotechnology research. Some public funding is available from both the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Science for research endeavors in the field.
Cooperation
No information is available
* * *
This information is based on Israels submission to the 5th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development, April 1997. Last update: April 1997
Click here to link to the Biosafety
Information Network and Advisory Service (BINAS), a service of the United Nations
Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which monitors global developments in
regulatory issues in biotechnology.
Click here to go to the Web Site of UNEP's
International Register on Biosafety.
Click here for the International
Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Biosafety WebPages
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No information available.
* * *
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Decision-Making: Coordinating Bodies
The Ministry of Transport is responsible for
decisions in the management and improvement of the transport system and for
transport policy in Israel.
Decision-making is mostly at the national level, but local authorities play an important role in managing traffic and transport within their jurisdiction. An official responsible for traffic and transport operates in each local authority and coordinates policy between the national and local levels. The Ministry of Transport also supervises over metropolitan transport planning bodies, especially teams working on transport Master plans for Haifa, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. One of the goals of these teams is to consolidate and implement a comprehensive transport planning policy on the metropolitan level.
Decision-Making: Legislation and Regulations
Regulations on Air Pollution from Vehicles, 1963, under the
Abatement of Nuisances Law, prohibit the emission of black smoke from motor
vehicles (in accordance with the Hartridge Smoke Meter).
A companion regulation details how to measure smoke from vehicles.
The Traffic Ordinance (New Version), 1961, authorizes traffic
magistrates to enforce provisions of the Abatement of Nuisances Law relating to
motor vehicles. Regulations
prohibit the registration of a vehicle unless it conforms with inspection
standards for emissions, especially European Union standards.
The Operation of Vehicles (Engines and Fuel) Law, 1961, allows the
Minister of Finance, after consulting with the Minister of Transport, to
regulate the kind of fuel by which any motor vehicle will be propelled and
operated and the kind of engine which will be installed.
The Minister of Finance is empowered to enact regulations under this law
which may include examination of fuel station tanks and containers, spot checks
of motor vehicles and fuel tanks, and fuel sampling directions.
Public Health Regulations (Pollution Emission from Vehicles), 1980,
prohibit driving a vehicle which emits smoke and set requirements for vehicle
examiners.
Laws, regulations and standards relating
to transport have been reviewed in recent years to better reflect environmental
issues, especially pollution abatement.
A government decision requires national regulations and standards to be
based on standards adopted in the Western World. This relates to European and American standards aimed at
reducing vehicle emissions as well. As
a result, Israel has adopted the European standard for diesel (EN 590) and the
European standard on unleaded gasoline for automobile (EN 228).
In addition, Israel has partially adopted European Council Directive
96/96 on roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles.
To maintain emissions at low levels throughout the life of a vehicle and
to ensure that polluters are withdrawn from service until they comply with
emission standards, exhaust emission tests are carried out during the
vehicles annual registration test. Exhaust emission tests are required to
measure the lambda value and the carbon monoxide content of the exhaust gases so
that at engine idling speed, the maximum permissible CO content in the exhaust
gases of cars equipped with catalytic converters does not exceed 0.5%. Prior to
1999, the required carbon monoxide standard stood at 1% for vehicles from 1995
on. Catalytic converters have been
standard features in all private vehicles in Israel beginning with 1993 models.
Rules, regulation and
incentives to induce public participation in environment-friendly transportation
do not exist, although the government subsidizes public transport to some
extent.
Decision-Making: Strategies, Policies and Plans
The overall strategy concerning the transport system calls for a set of
measures, which include the following: development of mass transport (rail and
buses) both between cities and within cities; control of private car use in
accordance with the capacity of the road infrastructure through use of
transportation control measures (e.g., parking restrictions, congestion taxes);
reduction of air pollution through introduction of more efficient engines,
smaller and lighter vehicles and alternative energy vehicles such as electricity
vehicles, and development of the road system to a level which will allow
accessibility from all settlements to the road network. The policy, which was
adopted by the Minister of Transport and the National Board for Planning and
Building in 1998, is largely based on a new approach which integrates transport
and land development policy.
A very important Masterplan on land
transportation in Israel was completed in 1999, as well as a Masterplan for the Dan metropolitan region,
which includes the city of Tel Aviv and adjoining municipalities, slated for
completion in 2002.
Israels
transport policy has been set for the coming twenty years (until 2020) within
the framework of a Masterplan for land transportation in Israel. The following
general goals have been defined:
Expansion
of transport infrastructure: Israels goal is to improve the quality of the
road system by increasing the road network and expanding the railway system to
allow connection of all parts of the country, both within cities and between
cities.
Reduction of vehicle emissions: Israels goal is to adapt itself to
the European standards and to improve the quality of its fuel in the short term.
Fuel additives are viewed as a potential solution to improve the quality of the
fuel and lower emission levels. Exhaust
emission tests are carried out during annual registration tests to ensure that
polluters are withdrawn from service until they comply with emission standards.
Development of alternative transport modes:
This is an important goal in
transportation policy. Emphasis is placed on expanding and upgrading the railway
system. Other initiatives include a joint project between Israel Electric
Corporation and Germany on electric car use (a German car activated with
zinc-air batteries produced by an Israeli company).
Decision-Making: Major Groups Involvement
The Ministry of
Transport and the National Board for Planning and Building commissioned a
proposal on land transport policy in Israel from the Israel Institute for
Transport Planning and Research. The
proposal was adopted by the Ministry of Transport and by Israels planning
authority.
Such groups as the Car Importers
Association and the public transport companies (e.g., the two major bus
cooperatives) provide input and information to government officials, in an
advisory capacity. The Railroad
Authority is involved in decision making on railway development while the
Airports Authority is involved in the decision-making on air transport.
Scientists at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology provide scientific
information and consultation services which are essential in the decision making
process.
Recently, citizen groups and non-governmental organizations have taken a more active part in lobbying decision makers to introduce environment-friendly modes of transport. Of special note is the citizen-based consensus conference which was recently held in Israel whereby a group of lay citizens gathered together to study the issue of transportation and formulated a consensus report about it. The project was initiated by both governmental and non-governmental organizations and presented recommendations on different aspects of environment-friendly transport system.
Densely populated and heavily congested urban centers, such as the Tel
Aviv metropolitan area, and remote areas of the country, such as the southern
region of Israel (the Negev), have the most urgent need for an improved
transport system.
Programmes and Projects
Efficiency in fuel consumption is largely promoted through the introduction of better quality fuel and through information sheets on car maintenance and driving practices targeted at the general public.
Measures for reducing emissions from transportation include requirements for catalytic converters, introduction of unleaded gasoline, lower-sulfur diesel fuel (0.05%) in 1999 with plans for further reduction of sulfur content in 2000.
Status
The Israel's system of transportation is generally adequate to meet commercial, private and public demands, but is not optimal. Thus, for example, the transport of cargo and materials is mostly by road, while the railway pathway, which is safer and more environment-friendly is not sufficiently developed. Public transport services are not sufficiently developed in rural areas and for night travel. In addition, Rail traffic is inadequately developed.
16,115 kilometers of roads in 1999 provided a relatively dense network
to the majority of Israeli citizens.
The railroad system is not well developed. In 1999, only 663
kilometers of railroad existed in Israel, mostly concentrated on the coastal
plain. In 1999, about 8.78 million
passengers utilized the railways, with a large share utilizing the railway
system between Tel Aviv and Haifa. In other areas of the country, the railway
system is poorly developed and in many areas, non-existent. Jerusalem, for
example, is not currently linked to the rest of the country by railway.
Israels waterways are well developed for three main reasons:
The country enjoys significant coastal areas, mostly on the
Mediterranean coast, but also on the Red Sea.
Political circumstances have precluded international railway
transportation into Israel.
Israels main trade partners are in the
developed world (North America, Japan, Europe) and are geographically distant
from Israel.
In 1999, there
were 6,587 ship departures from Israeli ports.
Airports are also well developed. There
are 54 airports in the country, 31 of which have paved runways. However there is
only one international airport, Ben-Gurion International Airport, in Lod at the
center of the country. This limits the accessibility of the northern and the
southern regions to international airways. Possibilities for an additional
international airport are currently being examined. In 1999, there were 30,933
aircraft landings in Israel carrying 8,734 thousand passengers (arriving and
departing).
In recent years, the development of public transportation has stagnated while the number of motor vehicles has multiplied. The increase in car ownership has not been accompanied by a proportionate increase in road surface.
For the year 1999, the overall amount of vehicle emissions was as
follows:
-
Suspended Particulate Matter: 7,709 tons (out of a total of 29,313
tons emitted from fuel combustion in all sectors).
-
Sulfur dioxide: 13,607 tons (out of a total of 265,375 tons emitted
from fuel combustion in all sectors).
-
Nitrogen oxide: 165,814 tons (out of a total of 309,793 tons
emitted from fuel combustion in all sectors).
-
Carbon monoxide: 400,811 tons (out of a total of 410,141 tons
emitted from fuel combustion in all sectors).
-
Carbon dioxide: 14,195 tons (out of a total of 62,022 tons emitted
from fuel combustion in all sectors).
-
Hydrocarbons: 44,531 tons (out of a total of 65,675 tons).
-
Lead (from gasoline): 237 tons.
Transportation sources are responsible for a lions share of the
countrys carbon monoxide pollution and for significant percentages of
nitrogen oxide, particulate, hydrocarbon and lead concentrations in the
environment. With the exception of
lead, the concentrations of all these pollutants have risen dramatically over
the past decade.
Over the 1990s, the number of cars on Israels roads has increased by more than 70%, reaching over 1.7 million in 1999. A small proportion of these cars is known to be responsible for most of the pollution. Cars older than 1993, when catalytic converters were first required for some cars, emit significant quantities of pollutants including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides
The problem is more severe in the case of commercial vehicles.
Diesel-powered buses and trucks, estimated at more than 280,000, are major
sources of nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions. Nitrogen oxide emissions
from these vehicles may be ten times greater than those of gasoline cars
equipped with a converter.
Poor fuel quality is one of the most significant factors contributing to vehicle pollution.
Several measures are currently being introduced to reduce vehicular emissions. These include: technical measures, planning measures, legislative measures, operational measures, inspection and enforcement measures, education and information measures and surveys and research. Fuel quality for transport has been improved with a switch to low-sulfur diesel beginning in 1999 and very low sulfur fuel (0.015%) for buses operating in the major cities.
To further reduce pollution from public
transport, personal decrees have been prepared for Israels two major bus
cooperatives. The decrees will
require such measures as pollutant reduction according to a strict timetable,
scrapping of old buses, increased monitoring and enforcement and a possible
switch of part of the vehicle fleet to alternative fuels. An additional mobile
monitoring unit for roadside inspection has been purchased to increase
enforcement capability.
Challenges
Heavy vehicles including trucks, buses and commercial vehicles, powered
by diesel fuel, require the most immediate attention in reducing damages to
ecosystems. In addition, railway transport requires immediate attention both to
improve transport efficiency and reduce environmental damages. Railway
transportation needs to be improved throughout the country and within urban
areas, such as the Tel Aviv area, to encourage people to travel by train rather
than by private vehicles or buses. Railway transport to and from different areas
of the country, especially Jerusalem and Beersheba, requires urgent improvement
to replace private vehicle use and improve transport efficiency.
Major obstacles to the adoption of more efficient systems largely relate
to financial considerations since significant resources are required to provide
environment-friendly and efficient transport systems and infrastructures.
In addition, a conservative approach by decision makers has, at times,
delayed the introduction of new technologies.
Vehicular pollution is compounded by the composition and fast growth of
Israels vehicle fleet which includes growing numbers of diesel vehicles,
scooters and older cars. Vehicular pollution is also exacerbated by inadequate
maintenance of motor vehicles.
Additional obstacles relate to absence of updated legislative and
enforcement measures and lack of fiscal measures, such as high taxes on certain
types of vehicles or incentives for scrapping old vehicles.
The transport sector is dependent on the quality of the traffic system.
In addition, disadvantaged segments of the population and those living far away
from population centers are adversely impacted by ill-managed transport systems.
Residents of congested urban areas, especially Tel Aviv, also experience
the harmful consequences of ill-managed transport and traffic systems.
Capacity-building, Education, Training
and Awareness-raising
Most of the measures to promote public awareness of the impact of
transport on the environment are initiated by the Ministry of the Environment
and by NGOs. The Ministry of the Environment uses publications, the Internet and
campaigns to raise awareness of the subject. The ministry recently published a
driver information sheet on proper vehicle maintenance and driving for pollution
abatement. Special study days and seminars have been organized to highlight the
impact of transport on the environment in urban areas. NGOs increase awareness
through public demonstrations and utilization of the media.
NGOs have initiated a major public debate and protest revolving around
plans for the construction of Road #6 (The Trans-Israel Highway), one of
Israels major arteries, linking the Galilee and the Negev to the center of
the country. Environmentalists have opposed the new highway because it will give
priority to the private car as the main means of transportation in coming years,
because it will reduce the open space left in the central region of the country
and because potential environmental problems may include noise, air pollution
and visual blight. All of these
claims were voiced in a major public campaign against the road.
Measures to induce
public participation in environment-friendly transportation largely relate to
public campaigns, many organized by non-governmental organizations. Thus,
bicycle days have been organized to promote green modes of transportation
in town. On September 22, 2000, a car free day was inaugurated in Tel Aviv
as part of the European Commissions In town without my car initiative.
Bicycle advocacy groups
have been set up in several Israel cities and critical mass rides have been
organized. These bicycle
associations support a clean public transportation system which will
combine with bicycle lanes to create a viable transportation solution. Some
Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, have inaugurated a bicycle
trail network.
Several universities and research centers are involved in capacity building in relation to transport and traffic systems. Most notable are the Technion Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa and the Department of Geography of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Both deal with capacity building related to transport and traffic system. The Ministry of Transport also organizes training for experts and staff related to the transport and traffic systems.
The Ministry of the Environment has
established Environmental Education Centers in municipalities throughout the
country as focal points for community and school environmental activities.
They assist the education system in preparing environmental curricula,
conduct teacher training programs, provide educational material for teachers and
interested citizens, and stimulate public involvement in environmental issues,
including the relationship between transport and environment.
The Society for the Protection of Nature
in Israel organizes environmental education programs for elementary school
students. One of the special programs deals with global environmental challenges
and the impact of transport on the environment.
Information
A Citizens Panel Report on the Future of Transportation in Israel was produced in June 2000 as a result of the First Citizen-Based Conference in Israel. The project was initiated by an education center, in collaboration with the Transportation Ministry, the Ministry of the Environment and several non-governmental environmental and transport organizations. Recommendations relate to transportation planning, promotion of public transport, development of efficient connections between transportation systems, and citizen involvement. The report is expected to influence public discourse on transportation in Israel and to lay the foundation for enhancing citizen involvement in this and other areas.
Information
on transport systems in relation to the environment is gathered by
transportation stations which are part of the countrys air quality monitoring
network. These stations are
designed to monitor pollutants originating in transportation sources and are
located near primary traffic junctions, at road height.
These stations are linked to regional centers and to a national control
center that provides real-time information about air quality throughout the
country.
In
addition, information on transport-related issues is gathered by the Central
Bureau of Statistics and is published in annual reports.
Scientific data and information on vehicle emissions is collected by the
Central Bureau of Statistics and made available to the public in reports and on
the Internet (www.cbs.gov.il). In addition, the Ministry of the Environment
publishes reports and brochures on vehicle emissions and its annual report on
the environment relates to vehicle emissions.
The web site of the Ministry of the Environment is open to the public
and provides information on transport and environment-related issues (www.environment.gov.il).
Information on traffic conditions is continuously provided by the radio.
Research and Technologies
The major scheme currently being devised to promote the use of
alternative energy sources for transport relates to partial conversion of the
vehicle fleet, especially buses, trucks and other heavy vehicles, to liquefied
petroleum gasoline. In addition, experiments are ongoing in relation to
electric-powered vehicles for use by both buses and private cars.
One
of the main institutes involved in research aimed at improving the current
design of the transport system in Israel is the Internal Combustion Engines
Laboratory of the Technion Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa. This
institute conducts research programs in the following fields:
Possibilities for more stringent tests on
all Israeli vehicles.
Possibilities of fuel additives to gas
oil.
Examination of more severe standards for different vehicular pollutants.
Israel seeks to improve the efficiency of traffic management by
increasing traffic safety. A major public campaign has been organized for this
purpose which includes utilization of the written press, radio and television.
The campaign is also targeted at children and involves children in educational
programs relating to traffic safety.
At present, different schemes are being examined to promote efficient traffic management. These range from to intermittent control systems for traffic regulation in accordance with pollution levels to congestion fees. Measures already taken or planned include dedicated lanes for environment-friendly transport and bicycle paths, reduction of parking spaces in city centers, controlled closure of city centers to private cars, and park and ride facilities in the periphery of urban centers coupled with public transportation to city centers.
Financing
The main sources of
funding for building infrastructure are allocations of the national budget. In
recent years, the private sector and sources outside of the country have become
increasingly involved in major transportation projects such as the construction
of major roads and infrastructures,
as is the case with the Trans-Israel Highway.
Research and development of alternative fuels and transport
efficiency is largely financed by public funds, although private funds are used
as well.
Funding for enforcement of regulations and standards is by the
public sector.
Requests for proposals and tenders are published by government agencies
nationally and internationally for construction of transport infrastructures.
Cooperation
Israel cooperates with the Royal Jordanian Airline to increase the use of this airline by Israeli passengers. Also, initial discussions are being held on an airport common to Israel and to Jordan in the Gulf of Aqaba. Projects exist for increasing the efficiency of transportation systems between Israel and Egypt.
At
present, participation in international forums is limited and is primarily
concentrated on matters related to cargo transport.
The Global Learning and Observations to
Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) project is an international project dealing with
observation and learning on several issues on the environment. An important part
of the program relates to atmospheric issues and deals with the relation between
transport and environment.
Israel is making efforts to implement the program of the
UN Commission on Sustainable Development - Global Phaseout of Leaded Gasoline.
The Ministry of Environment supports improvement of emission standards for
gasoline as per European standards for 2000 and 2005. The Internal Combustion
Engines Laboratory of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Technion
Israel Institute of Technology has recently submitted an interim report to the
Fuel Authority in the Ministry of National Infrastructures on a strategy for
phasing out lead from gasoline in Israel. The
issue is problematic in Israel because of the significant number of old cars
which are fueled with leaded gasoline. The report reviews the current status in
order to help adopt the appropriate policy. It includes statistical data on the
total number of vehicles fueled by gasoline in Israel including older models
which are compatible with unleaded gasoline, recommendations on further
reduction of lead content in gasoline below the current level of 0.15 gr/liter,
and proposals on incentive measures to encourage use of unleaded gasoline.
*
* *
This information is based on Israel's submission to the
9th
Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. Last update:
March 2001.
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No information available.
* * *
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