Israel's new Bible of forestry and the pursuit of sustainable dryland afforestation

After several decades of dramatic reform in forestry practices, the Keren Kayemeth LYisrael (KKL) compiled the new orientation and specific management changes in a comprehensive policy entitled the Forestry Bible. While Israel's foresters originally planted monoculture "pioneer" pine plantations, the new orientation calls for diverse, indigenous, naturally regenerating woodlands and their rich suite of ecosystem services. Timber production has been downgraded and is not to be a priority for Israel's dryland forests. Maximization of ecosystem services with a particular emphasis on recreation and conservation drives much of the present strategy. The article highlights the evolution of Israel's forestry policies and details the new approach to afforestation and forestry maintenance along with its rationale.