Israel's Samar sand dunes — and the unique animal species that live there — have been saved thanks to the efforts of Aytzim's Green Zionist Alliance.
(Photo courtesy of Taal Goldman of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies)
A unique ecosystem in Israel's Arava Valley, and home to endangered species, the Samar sand dunes were saved from destruction by Aytzim's Green Zionist Alliance and its partners in early 2012. The government had planned on razing the dunes to use their sand for concrete. Although about a third of the dunes were destroyed, the remaining two-thirds have been saved to be enjoyed by both the animals that live there as well as Israelis for generations to come.
You can watch a photo slide show of the dunes by clicking here.
And you can read about Samar and the campaign to save it here:
- Bittersweet Victory: Most of Samar Saved (Feb. 5, 2012)
- Fate of Samar Indicative of Israel's Priorities (Feb. 3, 2012)
- Last Chance to Save Samar (Dec. 28, 2011)
- Samar Gets Temporary Reprieve — Let's Make it Permanent! (Nov. 14, 2011)
- Almost Out of Time: Act Now to Save Samar (Oct. 12, 2011)
- Saving Samar: Together We Can Protect the Last of Israel's Sahara (May 26, 2011)