New Israeli national parks set to attract nature lovers
The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has announced that newly designated and expanded nature reserves and national parks are expected to draw many nature enthusiasts. The sites include the Berekhat Ya’ar Nature Preserve, HaSharon National Park, Avtach Protected Resort, and the Heart of Ramon Crater Nature Reserve and National Park.
In addition, the new designation, made in collaboration with the Planning Administration, includes the Yam Caesarea National Park, Israel's first marine national park. Located along the Mediterranean coast, the park spans approximately 267 acres of underwater terrain and features archaeological remains from Roman times, including the ancient Caesarea Harbor, which was opened by King Herod of Judea in 10 B.C.E. Visitors will be able to explore the park by diving, swimming, or snorkeling.
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) welcomed the opening of the marine park.
"Yam Caesarea National Park will for the first time protect a cultural asset of international importance—the ancient Herodian port, which was the foundation for establishing and flourishing the ancient city of Caesarea. The remains of the ancient port, a natural reef, and a shoreline composed of sand and erosion tables create a wide variety of habitats where many plant and animal species find refuge,” SPNI stated.
"Divers at the site enjoy spectacular views at shallow depths, up to 10 yards at most. In recent years, countries around the world, including Israel, have adopted an ambitious goal that raised the target for protecting marine areas from 10% to 30%. However, currently, only 6% of Israel's sovereign waters and 2% of its economic waters are declared marine nature reserves," they added.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
