October 18, 2010
Manitoba's Oak Hammock, Israel's Hula Valley Become Sister Marshes
HULA VALLEY, Israel - Manitoba and Israel have signed their fifth partnership agreement which will link environmental experts working to preserve and enhance Israel’s Hula Valley and Manitoba’s Oak Hammock Marsh, Water Stewardship Minister Christine Melnick announced here today.
“Thanks to strong partners such as the Jewish National Fund and Ducks Unlimited, we have reached a Sister Marshes agreement that will allow both countries to share their expertise on protecting precious wetlands,” the minister said today.
In addition to sharing expertise on wetland science, the agreement will also promote environmental stewardship and ecotourism, provide the opportunity for the development of educational materials and promote both wetlands.
In addition to the Sister Marshes announcement, four other agreements have been signed during the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg’s mission to Israel. They include:
· Commercial business development: Hebrew University and the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba signed an agreement on getting innovative ideas to market.
Agriculture research: An agreement will help scientists share expertise on cutting-edge agricultural research conducted in Israel and Manitoba including work being done at Hebrew University, Ben-Gurion University and the University of Manitoba.
· Water technology: Manitoba and Israel will work together on the sharing and development of technology designed to improve water quality and stewardship.
· Birding and guiding: This agreement with the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Prairie Pathfinders, the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation, Ducks Unlimited, Tourism Manitoba and The Forks will promote eco-tourism and protection of bird populations.
“The fruits of our labour are a direct result of work by organizations such as the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg, which has built the foundation for a strong and productive relationship between Manitoba and Israel,” the minister said.
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