The peace deal signed in August between Israel and the United Arab Emirates stands to have an impact on more than just the political climate in the region, as Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi are contemplating a series of joint environmental ventures.
Environmental Protection Minister Gila Gamliel revealed last week that Israel and the UAE are looking into joining forces in a variety of issues, such as alternative energy sourcing, protecting maritime life – especially in areas where offshore exploration for natural gas are taking place – protecting desert wildlife, and more.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Both countries are regional leaders with respect to desalination projects, so the two are also likely to hold joint studies on the environmental impact of these facilities. Other studies are likely to include the issue of creating artificial islands and the monitoring of the maritime ecosystem in a region dominated by the desert.
The highlight of these ventures, according to Gamliel, will be the establishment of DeserTech – an international innovation center focused on desert climate change.
The facility is likely to be headquartered in the southern Israeli city of Beersheba, with the aim of promoting Israeli innovation and solutions to the global climate crisis.
The Environmental Protection Ministry is exploring partnering with the UAE in the venture by opening a DeserTech research center there.
This type of venture would require funding from both Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi, as the center would focus largely on combating desertification and drought via technological innovations.
In a letter to UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif al Nuaimi, Gamliel wrote, "The UAE and Israel share similar priorities and challenges as they strive to ensure a robust and sound environment. It is therefore only natural that we combine our abilities in developing and implementing solutions to these environmental challenges."
Other than the UAE, the DeserTech venture is likely to include the National Economics Council and Beersheba Municipality, alongside the Ben Gurion University of the Negev, the Soroka University Medical Center, the Jewish National Fund, and the Merage Foundation.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
