Palestinians and Israelis share a tiny sliver of land in a harsh, dry climate with extremely limited natural resources. The Peres Center for Peace believes that this scarcity can be viewed as an avenue to promote peace and sustainable development rather than as a cause of conflict. For this reason the Agriculture, Water & Environment Department of the Peres Center was established in 1997.

The uniqueness of agriculture, water and environment as a platform for peace lies in the fact that land and resources here are inextricably connected and shared. Borders and even walls may separate Palestinian and Israeli farmers, but they do not deter the pests that plague both their fields, or the pollutants that poison their water.

Through professional cooperation, Israelis and Palestinians can confront their shared challenges together: protecting their natural resources, preserving limited water supplies, and defending crops against the scourges of drought and pests. By learning and implementing the most advanced and effective agricultural practices they can utilize the land more efficiently, elevate the quality and quantity of crops and improve standards of living throughout the region. In turn, these collaborative efforts create foundations for peace by enabling Palestinians and Israelis to interact in a positive and productive way.

The Agriculture, Water and Environment Department in the Peres Center is a leading facilitator in the region that emphasizes cooperative agricultural programs between partners throughout the region, and works tirelessly to conduct regional and cross-border training, fund pioneering agricultural research, and implement various capacity-building workshops in order to effectively address the unique agricultural challenges of the Middle East.

The Peres Center for Peace believes that by working together, Palestinians and Israelis can accomplish their shared goal of a land that will remain fertile, clean, and productive for future generations of both peoples.

Please click here to read about the first Director of the Agriculture, Water & Environment Department, and former Deputy Director General of the Peres Center, Prof. Samuel Pohoryles.