Biodiversity during Pre and Post Hula Valley (Israel) Drainage

Abstract

The natural ecosystem of the Hula Valley (Israel) comprising shallow old lake Hula, swamps and partly cultivated land was altered by drainage. The drained area was converted for agricultural development. The natural wetland–lake ecosystem was demolished. A reduction in biodiversity and a negative impact on the downstream Lake Kinneret water quality were predicted. Forty years later, a reclamation project was implemented aimed at renovation of the hydrological conditions, and agricultural development was improved. The recorded inventory of plants, birds and fish pre- and post-drainage and reclamation was comparatively evaluated resulting in an indication of Biodiversity Index (BDI) and Species Richness (SR) enhancement in the present. It is suggested that the resulting increase in ecological habitat varieties suitable for terrestrial, semi-aquatic and aquatic organisms enhanced the biodiversity. Nevertheless, it is not impossible that the newly created conditions which enhanced the biodiversity require a risk assessment to ensure the long-term sustainability of the integration of agriculture and nature.