To Tend and Keep It

Today, the term "natural reserve" is common in Israel. However, this wasn’t the case during the first years of its existence. A majority of the planning authorities did not understand what natural reserves were and why they were required, and the Hebrew language did not yet have a term for them. A small group of nature lovers struggled to preserve nature, leading battels, some of which continue to this day. The results of some of the successful battles can be seen across Israel today – in natural reserves, national parks and fields of wildflowers. 

The history of these battles is brought forth in this book by Dr. Uzi Paz, one of the pioneers of nature preservation in Israel. He also unfolds the changes formed in the country's landscape, flora and fauna, from ancient times to this day. The book contains a wealth of photographs taken by the author.