Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow KKL-JNF and the Hula Valley

The Hula Valley - Facts Location - Upper Galilee Past – Marshes in the north, a small lake in the south Problems – Malaria, “wasted” water, “wasted” land Solution – Drain the swamp

The Hula Valley was home to many plants and animals, some of which were unique to the valley

People lived in the Hula Valley since prehistoric times Although water was abundant, it was not always used effectively.

Mosquitoes and malaria were rampant, making life in the valley hard. The early Galilee pioneers dreamed of draining the swamps, wiping out mosquitoes and malaria and transforming the valley into Israel’s breadbasket.

In 1951, KKL-JNF began draining the Hula marshes and lake By 1954 work was completed – 60,000 dunams of land (15,000 acres) became available for farming

For nearly 50 years agriculture flourished, crops were harvested

But unforeseen problems arose: The Hula Marshes, which had acted as a natural filter, were now gone Algae began polluting Lake Kinneret, Israel’s main source of drinking water

In Israel, and throughout the world the importance of wetlands was becoming recognized

Why Do We Need Wetlands? Water Storage Wildlife Habitat Recreation Preserve Water Quality Flood Protection Tourism

1993 – KKL-JNF leads other environmental organizations in formulating a rehabilitation program for the Hula Valley

1993-2003 – Canals are dug to preserve a high water table and maintain peat soils.

1994 – The valley is re-flooded and Lake Agmon, the heart of the Hula Valley Restoration Project is created.

Tens of thousands of cranes spend the winter in the valley every year

Agriculture flourishes once again

The Hula Wetlands are alive!

Join Us in Developing the Unique Hula Valley Complex!

Partnership Opportunities

THE FOUNDATION OF IT ALL RESEARCH THE FOUNDATION OF IT ALL

WATCHING OUR WATER

NOT JUST FOR THE BIRDS

KEEPING THE HULA GREEN

PEOPLE IN NATURE NATURE IN PEOPLE