On the 4th of March 1998, (6th Adar 5…), some 120 people, representatives of 25 Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs), convened at the Zippori Center, a quiet place in the heart of the Jerusalem Forest. There, against the backdrop of the Judean hills, they exchanged their experiences, concerns and expectations about the quality of life and the future of their city - first in small seminar groups, and then all together.
Environmental issues transcend divisive forces and help forge unexpected alliances. In a society fraught with ethnic, religious and political conflicts, the participants in the seminar found that different sectors of the community could be brought into closer harmony by striving together for a better life in a healthier city.
The 'Sustainable Jerusalem Charter' documents the outcome of the Zippori meeting. Two years of intense social dynamics had preceded this stage, bringing together local activists defending their neighborhoods, people interested in education, transport or ecology, secular and religious, Jews and Arabs, residents from the center and the suburbs.
Citizens and professionals joined forces in establishing the Sustainable Jerusalem Assembly (SJA). A grant from the Cummings-Dorot Foundation enabled two NGOs to play a central role, initiating discussions, meetings and actions: the Jerusalem branch of the veteran SPNI - Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, and the FFJ - the Forum for the Future of Jerusalem - a new group born of geographers, urban planners and designers..
The purpose of the Charter is to fill the void created by the ongoing planning anarchy and to provide a realistic framework for sustainable development in the capital of Israel. It presents a
comprehensive vision for the future of the city, formulated by its residents and with the input of professional planners. As such, it constitutes the most democratic document of its kind in Israel.
The implementation of the Charter necessitates a far-reaching policy advocating citizen involvement, at Municipal, Regional and National levels. Its 10 interrelating chapters are designed to form the foundation of a new Master Plan leading, if necessary, to a "One Million People" capital city.
The Charter describes a reality that doesn't exist. Still, it is not a utopia, but a realistic program for economic and physical growth improving the quality of life for present and future generations.
A sustainable city is one whose community achieves a balance in social, economic, cultural and environmental issues, each generation handing down a place of quality. The idea of sustainability can be found in the Talmud and relates to a child who has the potential to survive, grow and thrive. At present, as environmental degradation knows no frontiers, sustainability has become a universal criterion, recognized by the International Community and applied to the future of mankind and the planet. In Israel, it concerns, and will affect, the future of the people whose homeland now faces new threats of an ecological nature.
In any event, short-term political or private interests cannot dictate the development of Jerusalem. The city's environmental assets should be sustained in a long-term perspective, pursuing lasting social and economic progress while preserving the uniqueness of the place.
|
"… the ongoing planning anarchy…"
as denounced by a 1997-98 public petition signed by tens of thousands of Jerusalemites
THE UNIQUE CHARACTER AND BEAUTY
OF JERUSALEM IS BEING DESTROYED.
THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE ARE DETERIORATING. THE MUNICIPAL PLANNING SYSTEM IS FLOUNDERING.
 The green valleys, open spaces
and the Jerusalem Forest are
disappearing before our eyes.
42 multi-story buildings are being
planned, without taking their
environmental impact
into account.
Traffic in the city is hopelessly
jammed and unbearably sluggish.
The pedestrian's lot becomes
harder each day.
Numerous historic buildings and
the heritage they represent are
being eliminated or falling into
neglect.
The traditional skyline and
open views are gradually
disappearing.
The city center is failing
while residents, business and
cultural interests are moving out.
The valleys are gradually filling up
with illegally dumped soil and
building debris.
The city is dirty, its day
to day maintenance is neglected
and its garbage is not properly
dealt with.
Air pollution and noise are reaching
dangerous levels.
LET US NOT PERMIT THE PRESSURES OF THE MOMENT TO DICTATE THE FUTURE OF THE ETERNAL CITY!
There is an alternative:
Jerusalem can grow and develop while sustaining its
exceptional qualities
…FOR A UNIQUE CIT
Jerusalem is a Sacred City for Jews, Moslems and Christians. The spirituality of its people has always been reflected and influenced by the beauty of its landscape, light and stone. Jerusalem's urban fabric appears as a mosaic of historic layers telling the uninterrupted adventure of Eastern and Western civilizations. In Jerusalem, the "Place" appeals to religious and secular alike. It is a City of Outstanding Universal Value - and it is essential for the identity of Israelis, the Jewish People and Citizens of the World to make sure this uniqueness is sustained.
The status of Jerusalem as Israel's Capital must be strengthened by promoting values and ventures of cosmopolitan caliber, attracting people of vision and action, while fostering identification by all members of Israeli society. As a modern, international city, Jerusalem can considerably increase its wealth by expanding environment friendly business and industry, making the most of its cultural and intellectual assets. Due to its pleasant climate and spacious setting, Jerusalem and its surroundings offers an exceptional ambience, and the space for increasing its population without destroying its natural support system.
|
