עיר-יער

The 2023 State of Nature Report by the Ministry of Environmental Protection presents a concerning picture. We are in the midst of an unprecedented biological crisis, where approximately 50% of mammal, reptile, and bird species nesting in Israel are at risk of extinction or nearing endangerment. In the past decade, the decline in species abundance has accelerated due to human activities. The way we, as a society and as architects, build new cities and neighborhoods leads to habitat loss, displacement of local species, and the spread of invasive species. Beyond the moral obligation to protect wildlife, this also has direct implications for the continued existence of human life. In the city of Hadera, the richest biodiversity in Israel was observed. However, it was found that many rare species that once lived there have been driven to extinction due to recent development and construction. The project proposes incorporating an ecological approach into urban renewal processes in existing urban areas. The proposal consists of solutions at various scales. The project will enable the restoration and preservation of habitats for biodiversity as an integral part of the built environment. This way, the public can actively participate in caring for the environment, helping nature recover and restore ecological balance.