On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Israeli authorities to support future cooperation and exchanges on biodiversity conservation, protected areas and the protection of cultural and historical heritage, the US Dept. of Interior announced.
Signed by Secretary Bernhardt and Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) Director General Shaul Goldstein, the MOU aims to create a framework for both agencies to work together on mutual challenges, such as combating wildlife trafficking, protecting ecosystems and managing parks and cultural sites.
“President Trump values the partnership the United States has with Israel and our collective efforts to strengthen conservation initiatives internationally,” said Secretary Bernhardt in a Dept. of Interior press release. “I applaud Director General Goldstein’s leadership in expanding Israel’s system of parks and nature reserves, and I look forward to strengthening our collaboration with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.”
“The Israel Nature and Parks Authority is in charge of over 25 percent of Israel’s land, and we have the important and sacred task to protect and conserve not only thousands of species of wild animals and plants, but also many of the most precious and valuable heritage and nature sites in the Holy Land,” said INPA Director General Shaul Goldstein, according to the release.
“There is obviously quite a difference between our two countries in size, but both the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority share the same vision of conservation and protection of our nature, heritage and landscapes for future generations. I look forward to continued cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Interior to fulfill this vision.”
"The United States Government looks forward to exploring opportunities for cooperation and exchange with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority in our efforts to promote sustainable management of biodiversity, wildlife, forests, and marine life; prevent wildlife trafficking; manage forest fires; and, educate communities on environmental protection," said United States Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, according to the release.