|
Saving the Jerusalem
Forest
The
effort to save the Jerusalem
Forest - the capital’s “green
lung” filtering pollution swept in from the coastal plain - was our
first mission and groundbreaking
achievement.
How?
In 1996,
distressed about the proposed simultaneous construction of a highway and
a large scale development project, each of which posed a number of
significant environmental threats to the Jerusalem Forest, Har Nof
resident and Shomera’s founder, Tamar Gindis, rallied the support of
area residents with the aim of saving their communal back yard. A
grassroots campaign to advocate for the protection of the Forest gained
momentum. Shomera also coordinated a coalition of organizations:
Coalition to Save the Jerusalem Forest. After mapping out vast untapped
Forest resources and suggeting alternate plans, the highway was rerouted
and the building project was abanonded.
Shomera worked to preserve the
Forest in the face of urbanization and development projects that
continue to encroach upon its periphery. We drew residents
and visitors into the Forest, introducing them to its walking paths,
ancient structures, to appreciate its vegetation, quiet and beauty. We
informed the public about the opportunities provided by this
unique Forest-park and to encourage their involvement in its
safekeeping. In addition, Shomera worked with planners and public
officials to find ways to safeguard the Forest for the benefit of the
public.
Shomera encouraged the development and implementation of planning that
integrates the city’s needs with the goal of preserving the Forest.
Initiatives such as subterranean burial on Har Hamenuchot allow for the
expansion of this cemetery while safeguarding the territory within the
Forest. In 2003 we created the Alternative Burial Initiative – Har
Menuchot Cemetery (approved at the time by the Chevra Kedisha).
Shomera continues to seek alternatives to proposed
infrastructure and building projects, and encourages professionals to
reconsider their assumptions and land usage. Shomera is member of the
Forum of Organizations for the Jerusalem Forest.
This coalition of organizations and residents is currently focued on
mitigating the threat to the forest posed by the proposed interchange of
the planned highway 16 .
Envisioning the Jerusalem Forest Promenade
Early on,
Shomera recognized the Forest’s untapped potential as an ideal venue for
relaxation, recreation and reconnection with nature for residents and
visitors alike. In a significant undertaking we developed the concept of the
Jerusalem Forest Promenade (otherwise known as the “Tayelet’) with the
aid of Lawrence Halperin, world-renowned landscape architect. This
Shomera initiative was embraced by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL) and the
Jerusalem Municipality, but has not yet been implemented. The Jerusalem
Forest
Promenade will provide play areas for children and a new attraction for
Jerusalemites, while delineating the edge of urban sprawl and its
boundary with the green, open spaces beyond.
|

The Jerusalem Forest |
|

Jerusalem Forest Promenade
|
|