Projects in Development
Proposal to Create a New LTER Site in the Middle East
The International Long Term Ecological Research (ILTER) network was founded in 1994 based on the realization that ecological processes are taking place in time scales of decades, and call for long term sites across the world for studying ecologies. The ILTER network has sites located in almost 40 countries around the world, but only one in the Middle-East – Israel. Out of the LTER sites found throughout the world, very few are found in arid regions.
Due to the distinct need for an arid Middle Eastern site in the ILTER network, scientists at the Arava Institute and across the region have proposed a plan to locate and built a joint Israeli-Jordanian LTER site in the Southern Arava, in an arid area just north of the Gulf of Aqaba. With many stresses on and threats to the biodiversity of the region, the proposed LTER site will permit examination of the sand dunes, marshes and other habitats, as well as research into the diverse communities of wildlife and biodiversity on the two sides of the border.
The International Long Term Ecological Research (ILTER) network was founded in 1994 based on the realization that ecological processes are taking place in time scales of decades, and call for long term sites across the world for studying ecologies. The ILTER network has sites located in almost 40 countries around the world, but only one in the Middle-East – Israel. Out of the LTER sites found throughout the world, very few are found in arid regions.
Due to the distinct need for an arid Middle Eastern site in the ILTER network, scientists at the Arava Institute and across the region have proposed a plan to locate and built a joint Israeli-Jordanian LTER site in the Southern Arava, in an arid area just north of the Gulf of Aqaba. With many stresses on and threats to the biodiversity of the region, the proposed LTER site will permit examination of the sand dunes, marshes and other habitats, as well as research into the diverse communities of wildlife and biodiversity on the two sides of the border.
Ethanol and Biodiesel Feedstocks in Arid and Marginal Zones
Dr. Elaine Solowey this year formed a partnership with Dr. Elli Harlev and Professor Shmuel Bittner of Ben-Gurion University to launch a new research study investigating sustainable growth of bio-energy crops. The study will look at the use of arid, saline and reclaimed land as harvest areas for desert-appropriate plants that can be used in the production of ethanol and bio-diesel.
The results of the study will determine alternatives to the appropriation of prime agricultural land as the trend to grow crops for bio-fuels increases. It is intended that this research will provide the world with new options for harvesting bio-energy crops, reducing the land conflict between growing crops for fuel production and growing crops for sustenance.
Dr. Elaine Solowey this year formed a partnership with Dr. Elli Harlev and Professor Shmuel Bittner of Ben-Gurion University to launch a new research study investigating sustainable growth of bio-energy crops. The study will look at the use of arid, saline and reclaimed land as harvest areas for desert-appropriate plants that can be used in the production of ethanol and bio-diesel.
The results of the study will determine alternatives to the appropriation of prime agricultural land as the trend to grow crops for bio-fuels increases. It is intended that this research will provide the world with new options for harvesting bio-energy crops, reducing the land conflict between growing crops for fuel production and growing crops for sustenance.
Bedouin Biogas Project
Ilana Meallem and Mazen Zoabi, two graduates of the Arava Institute, are working with Ben Gurion University to develop a low tech solution to organic waste disposal and methane gas production in the unrecognized Bedouin villages of the Negev. This technology, which is widespread in China will give the Bedouin communities the capacity to protect themselves from the environmental hazards of untreated organic waste and provide a healthier solution to energy needs than the current diesel powered generators. Click here to see the movie, the Bedouin Biogas Project, produced by the Department of Publications and Media Relations of Ben Gurion University of the Negev.
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