For first time Israeli scientist presents at conference in Cuba

The conference was hosted by Cuba’s Environmental Agency and Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment jointly with other organizations.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Dr. Doron Markel [L] with KKL-JNF conference delegates and leaders of the Cuban Jewish community, July 2019 (photo credit: KKL-JNF)
Dr. Doron Markel [L] with KKL-JNF conference delegates and leaders of the Cuban Jewish community, July 2019
(photo credit: KKL-JNF)
At the twelfth international environment conference in Cuba last week, Cubambiente 2019, Keren Kayemet L’Israel-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) participated alongside over 1,400 delegates from over thirty countries around the world, marking the first time an Israeli scientist presented at an international conference in Cuba.
The conference was hosted by Cuba’s Environmental Agency and Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment jointly with other organizations, and dealt with issues surrounding the environment and climate change, promoting cooperation amongst countries, the exchange of knowledge and sustainable practises, and presenting opportunities for economic growth and environmental protection.
The KKL-JNF delegation from Israel hosted a presentation led by Dr. Doron Markel, KKL-JNF Chief Scientist, on sustainable developments in forestation and large-scale water projects tools to adapt to the effects of climate change in Israel and the Middle East.
During his address to participants of the conference, Markel said, "The effects of climate change can be seen in the Middle East with drier winters and hotter summers. In Israel, adaptations to changing climate are carried out by KKL-JNF in the field of forestation to fight the spread of desertification. The issue of water requires a strategic plan to transfer desalinated water to disconnected areas in the region and desalination brine to the Dead Sea. Water scarcity is a growing problem in the Middle East and helping our neighbors today can help create a better and safer tomorrow for us all."
Also among the delegation from KKL-JNF were CEO Amnon Ben-Ami, KKL-JNF Deputy Chairman Hernán Felman, Deputy Chairman Zeev Noiman, and Latin America Department Director Ariel Goldewicht.
KKL-JNF Deputy Chairman Hernán Felman said, "For more than 118 years, KKL-JNF has developed the land of Israel for a sustainable future, and supported Zionist and environmental education. Since its establishment, KKL-JNF led an unprecedented forest project, which transformed a desolate land into a blooming green country with more than 240 million trees. Today, we lead the search for a more environmental Israel, and focus on six areas of action that include water, forestation, education, community development, tourism and recreation, and research and development."


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