A large sperm whale has washed ashore on Zikim Beach in southern Israel, marking only the eighth documented case of its kind along the country’s Mediterranean coast since monitoring began.

The carcass was reported Tuesday morning within the Shikma Marine Nature Reserve near the Gaza-adjacent shoreline. Israeli marine authorities confirmed the animal as a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), the world’s largest toothed predator.

According to Hebrew-language press reports, marine inspector Evyatar Ben-Avi of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority received the initial alert. Researchers from Israel’s Dolphin and Sea Center were dispatched to assess the site.

“Since research began in Israel, eight sperm whale carcasses have been recorded along the country’s coasts (including the one discovered this morning),” said Dr. Mia Elser of the NGO.

The Mediterranean population of sperm whales is considered genetically distinct and far smaller than its Atlantic relatives. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified the Mediterranean group as Endangered in 2021, with estimates suggesting only 250 to 2,500 individuals remain, and declining. Recent videos and photographs from Gaza, also near to the sperm whale sighting, has shown that Palestinians are catching dolphins, sharks and endangered sea turtles for food.

“The Mediterranean sperm whale population is genetically isolated from Atlantic whales. It even has its own characteristic clicking pattern,” said Dr. Aviad Scheinin, director of the Dolphin and Sea Center at the Morris Kahn Marine Research Station to local media.

Scientists say deep-diving sperm whales face a unique set of threats in the region: drifting swordfish and tuna nets that entangle whales as bycatch, seismic surveys for offshore gas exploration that disrupt their acoustic navigation, constant conflict and plastic waste that accumulates in the deep-sea food chain.

For readers of Green Prophet, the image is sadly familiar: a giant of the deep arriving silently at shore, carrying the invisible pressures of modern seas. Each stranding is both a biological record and an ecological warning, from a population already on the edge.

Listen to the first ever recorded humpback whale voice here.

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France, a country of smokers, will ban smoking in all outdoor places that can be frequented by children, like beaches, parks and bus stops, the health and family minister said in an interview published on Thursday.

“Tobacco must disappear where there are children,” Catherine Vautrin said in an interview published by the regional Ouest-France daily on its website.

The freedom to smoke “stops where children’s right to breathe clean air starts,” she said.

The restrictions will enter into force on July 1 and will include all places where children could be, such as “beaches, parks, public gardens, outside of schools, bus stops and sports venues,” she said.

Violators could be fined up to 135 euros ($154), she said.

Related: heavy smoking and stroke

Chris Dorsett, Ocean Conservancy’s Vice President of Conservation, said the news is goof for people and the planet:  “Not only does banning smoking in public places protect public health, but it will also make a huge impact in keeping our ocean and beaches clean.

According to Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup data, cigarette butts are the number one most commonly found item polluting beaches and waterways in Europe and worldwide. In addition to shedding dangerous microplastic fibers, cigarette butts also leach chemicals into the environment, harming sensitive marine ecosystems. We applaud France for taking this important step to protect people and the environment from the threat of cigarette pollution.”

Israel and Sweden’s Andreas Weil, for instance, has led massive cigarette butt pickups and educations about smoking on the beaches of Tel Aviv and around the country.

Since 1986, volunteers with Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup have collected 63 million cigarette butts worldwide. In 2023 – the most recent year for which we have data, 323,431 cigarette butts were collected from beaches and waterways in Europe alone.

As for the ban, Parisian cafe terraces will be excluded from the ban, which will also not extend to electronic cigarettes.

Some 75,000 people are estimated to die from tobacco-related complications each year in France.

According to a recent opinion survey, six out of 10 French people (62%) favour banning smoking in public places. Given the large number of Arab and North African population in France, we hope the ban extends to shisha pipes, which are thought to be safe because the tobacco smells like fruit, when in fact toxin levels can be found to be much higher than regular nicotine cigarattes.

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Meet Andreas Weil, founder of EcoOcean, Israel’s leading marine conservation organization which has reached hundreds of thousands and brought the concept of Blue Flag beaches to Israel.

Under the blue, sparkling surface of the Mediterranean Sea lies an aquatic world teeming with life, history, and untold stories. For Andreas Weil, founder of the marine protection NGO EcoOcean, this vast marine expanse is more than just a sea; it represents a lifelong passion and mission. Growing up in Sweden, Weil has always had a passion for the environment. Weil explained his reasons for coming to Israel as “I’m going to have fun and do good for the country.”

He began his time in Israel studying Environmental Studies at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies. He began to discover his purpose and his reason for being.

When Weil settled in Israel, he noticed a stark contrast between his homeland of Sweden and his new home of Israel. While Sweden was one of the first countries to expand, promote, and participate in green initiatives and recycling, Israel was lagging. There was no awareness, education, or environmental culture in the country. This troubled Weil. He saw that Israelis viewed the environment and climate change as a secondary issue. They disregarded the environment.

What troubled him also was the state of the Mediterranean Sea and the beautiful beaches of Israel being covered in trash. One point of emphasis Weil found was that Israelis did not take responsibility for the garbage that was in their seas. So, he decided to put down the facts. His initial research focussed on where the trash was coming from. He found that 80% of the garbage in the oceans was not from Gaza, Jordan, or any other country, as many had thought. It was from Israel. When framed this way, the Israelis realized that if they were to stop putting trash in the ocean, they would be 80% cleaner. Weil envisioned a new Israel, one where everyone was educated on the environment and the dangers of climate change.

Building EcoOcean

EcoOcean was born out of this vision to research, gather facts, and educate everyone. Central to EcoOcean’s success is the Mediterranean Explorer, the only privately operated marine research vessel in the region. Today, the level of research has increased, not without thanks to the Mediterranean Explorer and Weil himself. Armed with his ship and equipment, Weil set sail to find facts to bring back to Israel. The goal of the boat is to investigate water quality, marine life, trash, and other issues within the Mediterranean. With the information they collect, EcoOcean is not only well equipped to inform the public but also the government.

Discoveries are a commonality on board. While most are focused on climate research, they also have made discoveries outside the realm. One recent discovery made by the ship and its team is a sea sponge that possesses properties that could lead to a cure for Alzheimer’s.

Education is at the core of EcoOcean’s strategy. Starting with 10,000 students and evolving 20 years later to over 20,000, Weil and EcoOcean’s mission is to provide education to all on the topic of the environment and the looming climate threat. Weil has accomplished this with the help of others, starting with only two workers and evolving into a team of 18 full-time staff members and 25 freelance teachers.

They have a learning center called Seakura, located in Mikhmoret. Their center is only the start of it. They send their team of teachers to schools across Israel to provide constant, sustained education to the youth. Teachings focus on sustainability, climate change, and environmental ethics. Additionally, EcoOcean and its educators offer hands-on experiences, such as beach cleanups, that forge a strong, authentic connection to the issue at hand. “You are responsible as a citizen not only to pay taxes,” Weil says. “You’re supposed to clean and take care of your gift.” Israel.

EcoOcean doesn’t stop at education. It also works closely with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, local municipalities, and other NGOs to influence Israel’s environmental policies. One notable example of cooperation between EcoOcean and the Ministry is their “Disposable Dishes-Not in my Sea!” campaign, which educated the public on using reusable utensils, cups, and other kitchenware on the beach. The result was a visible reduction in single-use plastics on Israel’s sparkling, sandy beaches. As mentioned earlier, the Mediterranean Explorer is used to collect research for submission to the Israeli government. The abundance of information provided allows Israeli officials to identify and address clear problems.

Read related: This is the only government-funded sea turtle hospital in the world 

Environmental Unity in a Divided Region

Despite regional war and political tension, Weil sees marine conservation as a unifying force. EcoOcean and Weil are committed to providing the same level of education for all Israeli citizens. He says that “The environment does not have boundaries” and that, to have widespread change, the country needs “An Israel where people feel as one.” Nothing changes without cooperation.

You need a resilient population. He strongly believes in Tikkun Olam, the concept of repairing the world. Repairs can be done through education and information.

Looking ahead, Weil and EcoOcean’s ambitions are as expansive as the sea itself. He wants EcoOcean to one day reach 100,000 young people annually. Additionally, he aims to expand volunteer programs and enhance scientific contributions through blue ocean-based, tech, and climate research. Most of all, he wants all Israeli children to have access to marine education.

“If they approach us, we never want to say no,” he says. “We just need funding to say yes to everyone.”Weil’s vision extends far beyond Israel’s shores. “The environment and the threat of climate change can be the catalyst for Middle East peace,” he believes. “We are all part of the problem. We are all part of the solution. We can all fix it if we work together.”

Andreas Weil’s legacy is not about a single shoreline, beach, or sea. It is about a shift in attitude and consciousness. EcoOcean is a national leader in driving change, and its next goal is expansion to a broader area. “I want to go on a trip one day and hear everyone say, ‘I’d never throw trash in the ocean.'” This is when he believes he will have achieved his goals.

Until then, EcoOcean will continue to sail-chart a course for cleaner seas, educating citizens and working towards a future where the Mediterranean is a shared, thriving, and clean sea for all.

::EcoOcean 

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Movement doesn’t always mean going to the gym or following a strict workout plan. Many Canadians are looking for ways to stay active that feel natural and easy to maintain. And the good news is, that’s entirely possible. Daily activity can happen while you go about your regular schedule. From walking to the store to stretching in the kitchen, movement can be woven into your life without needing to set aside extra time.

This article focuses on how to enjoy movement in ways that are manageable and uplifting. We’ll explore how everyday tasks, routines, and hobbies can offer opportunities to stay active. The goal is to help you see activity as part of life—not something separate from it.

Start Your Day with Gentle Activity

The way you begin your day can shape how the rest of it feels. Adding light movement in the morning—like stretching, a short walk, or a few minutes of deep breathing—can help your body ease into its natural rhythm.

This quiet part of the day is also a good time to think about how you’re fuelling yourself. Many people choose to support their daily routines with both a balanced breakfast and mindful wellness habits. For some, that includes health-friendly supplements that offer nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to play a role in supporting overall well-being when part of a nutritious diet.

Brands like USANA Health Sciences offer options that include ingredients to complement healthy living. These supplements are not a replacement for real food but can work alongside thoughtful eating choices to help maintain nutritional balance—especially on days when meals might not cover everything.

Together, movement and mindful nourishment can help you feel steady and focused as the day begins.

Turn Short Breaks into Movement Opportunities

Whether you’re at home or at work, breaks are a natural part of the day. You might use that time to check your phone or grab a snack. But you can also use it for light movement.

Standing up, walking around your space, or doing simple stretches are great ways to keep your body active. These quick activities can refresh your mind too. You don’t need to follow a plan—just listen to your body and move in a way that feels good. Making use of small pockets of time adds up and supports consistent movement throughout the day.

Let Chores Count Toward Activity

Many people overlook how much activity happens during regular household tasks. Vacuuming, sweeping, gardening, and even tidying up are all forms of movement. If you’re doing them regularly, you’re already staying active more than you might think.

These activities can be done mindfully to make the most of them. Try focusing on your posture or turning on music to make them more enjoyable. When you view chores as part of your movement routine, it takes away the need to find time elsewhere in your day.

Be Social While Staying Active

Movement can be more fun when it’s shared. Spending time with friends or family doesn’t have to mean sitting still. Going for a walk in the neighbourhood, exploring a local trail, or joining a casual dance or fitness class are all great ways to stay connected and active at the same time.

These shared moments support both social and physical well-being. There’s no need to focus on performance—just enjoy moving together. Making activity part of your social time makes it easier to include in your lifestyle without extra planning.

Create Space at Home for Simple Movement

You don’t need a gym to move your body. A small corner of your home can work well for light activity. Whether it’s a space for stretching, yoga, or light home workouts, having a dedicated area makes movement easier to return to each day.

You can keep a mat rolled up in the living room or use a quiet bedroom for a few daily minutes of gentle activity. Keep it simple—just enough room to move freely without interruption. This helps build a habit without feeling like you need to do something extra or out of your routine.

Try Seasonal Outdoor Activities Across Canada

In Canada, each season brings something new to try. You can hike in the fall, snowshoe in the winter, bike in the spring, and paddle in the summer. These outdoor activities offer a chance to enjoy nature while staying active.

You don’t need to commit to large outings. Even short neighbourhood walks, visits to local parks, or time in the backyard can provide movement. Many cities have seasonal programs and trails that are open to the public, making it easy to find something that fits your interests.

Celebrate Every Small Win You Notice

It’s easy to overlook the value of small progress. But choosing to walk instead of driving, standing more often, or adding a five-minute stretch at the end of your day all make a difference. These changes don’t need to be big to be meaningful.

Taking time to recognize your efforts can help you stay motivated. You might jot down what you did at the end of the day or share your movement moments with a friend. When you celebrate these steps, you build a stronger connection to your goals and enjoy the process more.

Movement doesn’t have to be intense, structured, or time-consuming. It can be as simple as how you walk, sit, or stretch throughout the day. Canadians can find plenty of ways to stay active that match their lifestyle, interests, and environment.

By rethinking how movement fits into your life, it becomes easier to maintain. You don’t need a detailed fitness plan to benefit from regular activity. With a few mindful choices and a positive approach, movement can be a part of how you live—not something extra you have to do.

Enjoying movement in your daily life is not about achieving something specific. It’s about staying connected to your body and finding ways to stay active that feel right for you.

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Reaffirming its leadership in sustainable coastal management, all 13 of Tel Aviv-Yafo’s public beaches have once again earned the prestigious Blue Flag certification for 2025. This honor, awarded by the International Blue Flag Committee and the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), recognizes beaches that meet exceptional standards in water quality, safety, accessibility, and environmental education.

Each year, the Blue Flag is reassessed to ensure compliance with strict international criteria. For Tel Aviv-Yafo, retaining Blue Flag status across all its beaches reflects a sustained municipal commitment to clean seas, inclusive spaces, and community stewardship. The concept was brought to Israel through a Swedish environmentalist named Andreas Weil.

In Israel, the program is implemented by EcoOcean, a nonprofit organization of scientists and educators devoted to marine conservation. It is founded by Weil.

This achievement is especially significant in light of recent environmental challenges. The ongoing conflict with Gaza, Lebanon, Iran and Yemen.

In 2021, Israel faced one of its worst ecological disasters when an offshore oil spill contaminated more than 160 kilometers of Mediterranean coastline. Tar washed up on beaches from Ashkelon to Rosh Hanikra, including Tel Aviv’s shores.

As Green Prophet reported at the time, thousands of volunteers joined cleanup efforts, collecting sticky, toxic waste by hand. The city’s rapid response and community-driven action helped restore the beaches and laid the groundwork for more rigorous monitoring and preventive strategies.

Beyond cleanliness and conservation, the Blue Flag also honors beaches for universal accessibility. Tel Aviv has prioritized infrastructure for people with disabilities, including accessible boardwalks, floating wheelchairs, tactile paving, and lifeguard assistance for people with mobility impairments.

This inclusive approach has made Tel Aviv’s beaches welcoming not just for locals and tourists, but for seniors, families, and people of all abilities.

A major focus of Tel Aviv’s beach management has been the elimination of single-use plastics. In 2019, the city passed a bylaw banning plastic bags, straws, and utensils at public beaches. As Green Prophet covered in our report on the ban, this was a bold move to combat marine litter and microplastic pollution.

Today, educational signage, waste separation bins, and awareness campaigns reinforce the city’s message: protecting the sea is a shared responsibility.

With 13 Blue Flags proudly flying, Tel Aviv-Yafo remains a regional and global leader in sustainable urban coastline management. As sea levels rise and marine ecosystems face increasing pressure, the city’s blend of policy, education, and public engagement offers a blueprint for others to follow.

Tel Aviv is about 30 kilometers away from a rare shark attack that killed a man that happened a couple of weeks ago near Michmoret beach and a desalination plant. A source we spoke with said that locals were feeding dead fish straight into the mouths of the sharks for some time, and that he believes the swimmer got caught in a current leading to panic, splashing and then a frenzied shark attack. Shark attacks are rare in Israel. It is the fourth one in decades.

Tel Avinians are usually more concerned about jellyfish swarms that come up from the Red Sea. After Egypt created the Suez Canal it led to an explosion in invasive species.

Blue Flags in the region – a win for Turkey

Turkey ranks third globally in the number of Blue Flag beaches, boasting 567 certified beaches as of 2024. The Antalya province leads with 233 Blue Flag beaches, followed by Muğla with 112 and Izmir with 64.

As of 2024, Lebanon does not have any beaches certified with the Blue Flag. While Lebanon offers beautiful coastal areas like Tyre, Batroun, and Byblos, they have not received this specific international certification.

Syria has no Blue Flag.

Cyprus boasts an impressive number of 76 Blue Flag beaches and 2 marinas as of 2024, making it one of the top countries in Europe for clean, environmentally managed, and well-equipped coastal destinations.

Check a beach before you book a destination. See Blue Flag Global.

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The earliest evidence found to date concerning the production of olives for eating, dating back some 6,600 years, has been found at the submerged chalcolithic site Hishulei Carmel, off the coast at Haifa, Israel. The world’s oldest olive trees were found nearby in Lebanon.

The discovery is described in a new study published in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports by researchers from the University of Haifa, the Technion, Tel Aviv University, the Hebrew University, the Volcani Institute, and other research institutions in Israel and abroad. This discovery predates by around 4,000 years the oldest evidence of the production of olives for eating uncovered until now.

“This latest discovery completes the chain of use of olive trees, beginning with use of the wood for burning, through the production of oil some 7,000 years ago, and on to our finding, where the fruit was used for consumption,” explains Dr. Ehud Galili of the Zinman Institute of Archeology at the University of Haifa, who led the research.

What makes olives a fruit

Olives are, indeed, small fruits that grow on olive trees (Olea europaea). They belong to a group of fruit called drupes, or stone fruits, and olives are related to mangoes, cherries, peaches, almonds, and pistachios.

Olives are very high in vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants. Olives are a key component of the human diet, culinary culture, and economy of the Mediterranean region. Archeological findings and written testimony shows that olive oil was used extensively for consumption, lighting, worship, hygiene, and cosmetic purposes in ancient times. However, the date when olives began to be eaten has remained a mystery.

“Historical documents attribute the first consumption of eating olives in Europe to the middle of the first millennium BCE, and in Egypt to the classical period following the conquest of Alexander the Great, so that all the evidence until now centered on the middle of the first millennium BCE,” notes Dr. Liora Kolska Horwitz of the Hebrew University.

The current study was undertaken at the Hishulei Carmel site (named after a nearby factory), which is situated approximately 500 meters south of the southernmost beaches of Haifa. The site dates back to the Middle Chalcolithic period, some 6,600 years ago. Remnants from this period are now found from the shoreline and to a distance of 120 meters, and at a depth of up to four meters under the sea.

It is believed that in this period the sea level was around three to four meters lower than today, and the coast was some 200-300 meters west of its current location, so that the site was situated on the coast in its day. No remains of residential homes have been found at the site, but the excavations have uncovered round utensils with a diameter of 1.5 meters, made from collected stones.

According to the researchers, these utensils were used as wells or storage pits. During the underwater surveys, the researchers found two oval stone structures containing thousands of saturated olive pits, most of them complete and excellently preserved. In order to identify the use made of the olives, research was undertaken by a multidisciplinary team of archeologists and botanists from 11 research institutions in Israel and abroad.

“As soon as we found the olive pits, we could see that they were different to those used to produce olive oil. In debris from oil production, the pits are mostly crushed, whereas most of the ones were found were whole,” explains Dr. Dafna Langgut of Tel Aviv University. The researchers compared the findings to pits and utensils found by Dr. Galil several years ago at another underwater site – Kfar Samir, off the coast by Dado Beach. Kfar Samir is an older site, dating back 7,000 – 7,500 years, and situated some 1,800 meters from Hishulei Carmel.

The utensils found at Kfar Samir contained crushed olive pits, as well as olive peel, and were identified as debris from the production of olive oil. As noted, the pits found at the Hishulei Carmel site were mostly whole, and no peel or other evidence was found suggesting the production of oil. Moreover, in the remnants of the pits at Kfar Samir the researchers found grains of olive pollen, which is also found today in debris at olive presses. This pollen was not found in the utensils uncovered at the Hishulei Carmel site.

Another factor supporting the assertion that the utensils were intended for the production of olives for eating is the proximity of the sire to the sea. As noted, at the time the site was on the coastline. A coastal location does not permit the storage of olives, due to high humidity which leads to the rapid development of mold.

The researchers believe, it is not logical to suggest that the facilities were used for the storage of fresh olives. Conversely, the coastal location could have provided access to vital ingredients used in the pickling of olives, such as seawater and sea salt. As part of their study, the researchers undertook a controlled examination in a food laboratory at the Technion and managed to cure olives using seawater. “The pickling of olives in the utensils discovered could have taken place after the fruit was washed repeatedly in seawater in order to reduce the bitterness, and then soaked in seawater, possibly with the addition of sea salt,” suggests Prof. Ayala Fishman of the Technion.

“The lack of olive pollen grains in the utensils, which are usually found in olive debris, supports the hypothesis that the olives were washed repeatedly, as is customary to this day when pickling lives,” adds Prof. Mina Weinstein-Evron of the University of Haifa. Wild olives from Mt. Carmel, and possibly olives grown in ancient groves, probably provided the raw material for the production of olive oil and olives for eating,” comment botanists Dr. Simcha Lev-Yadon, Dr. Oz Barazani, and Dr. Arnon Dag.

“We did not find any residential buildings at the Hishulei Carmel site or at Kfar Samir, but we found pits, round utensils, stone grinding basins, sieves made of twigs – and now the olive production facilities. These sites may have served as ancient “industrial zones” for the settlements along the Carmel Coast in the Chalcolithic period, beginning to produce olive oil around 7,000 years ago and olives for eating 6,600 years ago,” concludes Dr. Galili.

The post Are olives a fruit? The history of olives and olive oil appeared first on Green Prophet.

Solid and liquid waste pollution on most world beaches is an issue that appears to be getting worse; despite efforts by volunteer environmentalists in the Middle East and elsewhere to make beaches cleaner and more eco friendly. Whether it be plastic littered beaches on such places as Midway Island, caused largely by plastic wastes accumulating in the Great North Pacific Gyre, or garbage carelessly thrown upon a Mediterranean beachfront,  coastal pollution is having a severe environmental impact worldwide.

Beginning on a single Texas beach in 1986, a worldwide International Coastal Cleanup day has resulted in millions of kilograms of plastic and other solid wastes being removed from world beachfronts and coastal waterways.

Considering the increasing amount of plastics and other waste materials, efforts made by hundreds of thousands of international volunteers on September 18 resulted in the gathering and removal of significant amounts of polluting material. In more than 30 years since the first coastal cleanup day began, more than 12 million volunteers have picked up an estimated 220 million pounds (100 million kgs) of trash. This trash ranges from plastic and glass bottles, plastic bags and food wastes to cigarette butts and discarded childrens beach toys. A good example is in the photo below.

Environmentalists estimate the amount of plastic wastes winding up in the oceans each year to be as much as 8 million metric tons. Being almost non-biodegradable, plastics simply break into smaller  “micro pieces” which are very dangerous to marine life; especially to fish, sea birds and sea turtles. This in itself should be a warning to make a greater effort to keep plastics from reaching the sea. Plastics are not only serious pollutant however. Liquid toxic wastes, from chemicals, oil and gas production, and raw sewage flowing into sea in Eastern Mediterranean countries like Lebanon has resulted in severe ecological warnings from environmental groups like Greenpeace.

One annual international day of beach and coastal cleanup will not in itself make world coastal waterways that much cleaner. At least it’s a start anyway to help make world beaches and waterways be a bit cleaner.

Read more on beach and coastal pollution and efforts to reduce it:

Israel’s Beach Season Opens With Litterbugs
The best eco beaches in Israel
Lebanon: Greenpeace Investigation Reveals Toxic Coast Pollution

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The world’s increasingly polluted seas and oceans, as well as rising sea levels, are now becoming a sad reality as Mankind’s contribution is becoming increasingly evident. Whether this causes massive fish die-offs, or other ecological catastrophes like toxic coast pollution, more and more of the world’s environmental problems are being linked to human caused abuse of natural resources.

Israel’s long Mediterranean beachfront, stretching from Gaza all the way to Lebanon, is no exception to this sad fact. A number of heavily polluted streams empty from Israel into the Eastern Mediterrnean, adding to the sea’s already increasing pollution.

One of these streams, the Poleg Stream, now empties into the sea just meters from one of the city of Netanya’s most prestigious beachfronts, Poleg Beach. Until recently this steam, which originates in the hills of the West Bank and meanders through the country’s Sharon region, emptied south of the main Poleg beachfront; or virtually disappeared into the sand during the hot summer months. Due to recent heavy rains, however, the course the stream has changed. It now empties its polluted contents into the Mediterranean, almost in the center of the Poleg beachfront; literally cutting it in half. On a recent weekend visit, children were observed by this writer actually walking into and playing by the stream.

Poleg Beach’s popularity stems largely from the fact that visitors can literally drive their cars down to the beach area, instead of having to park some distance away and then descend flights of stairs or walk down steep inclines to reach the beachfront. Even during the winter “off months”, the beachfront is a popular attraction on warm sunny days.

Upon contacting one of Israel’s leading environmental watchdog NGOs, Zalul (meaning “clear”), one of their spokespersons, Lilach, said that they are aware of the problem which was caused by a natural diversion of the stream’s flow. “The main issue at the moment is who will be responsible for dealing with this situation: the Netanya municipality or another body such as the Nature and Parks Authority,” she told Green Prophet.

Close examination of the water flowing in the stream and the various types of trash and other objects found there indicate that the current situation is definitely a health hazard that will become even more serious as it gets closer to the official beach season, around the end of May. A considerable amount or work is needed to re-divert the stream’s flow to a “safer” area further south; an area which falls under the jurisdiction of the Nature and Parks Authority.

In the meantime, beach visitors will have to contend with the changed course of the stream, that in better times included an estuary for sea turtles to come and lay their eggs. Those times are long gone now, unfortunately.

Read more on marine and coastal pollution in the eastern Mediterranean :
Mysterious fish die-off in Tunisia sparks world-ending debate (video)

Lebanon: Greenpeace investigation reveals toxic coast pollution

Oceans spiralling downward, threatening life on earth

Photos of the Poleg Stream by Maurice Picow

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1. Natural Attractions

As well as the modern, built up cities, the United Arab Emirates also has stunning natural landscapes. If you visit the Liwa Oasis, you will have the opportunity to take a walk or a camel ride and visit the restored fort.

Wildlife lovers may enjoy a visit to Sharjah, which is home to a variety of endemic animals to the Arabian peninsula such as the Arabian leopard, oryx, foxes and mongooses. The Desert Park at Sharjah has more than one thousand species of animals. Sharjah is also a wonderful location for diving, with warm waters that boast coral reefs and colorful marine life.

The United Arab Emirates is a great location for bird watching, with species including kites, falcons and owls, as well as more than two hundred and fifty species of small bird.

2. Culture

Although best known for the shopping facilities and sandy beaches, the United Arab Emirates also has a lot to offer in the way of cultural attractions. Dubai Museum, which was opened in 1971, is home to collections which teach visitors about the Dubai way of life. Exhibits include antique cannons, pearl fishing boats and displays of archaeological and historical significance.

The archaeological site at Julfar is worth a visit for those who are interested in the history of the area. The site consists of the remains of a former port city which dates back to the Middles Ages, with buildings including a fort, royal palaces and a mosque.

3. Beaches

If you enjoy relaxing on the beach, you will find plenty of options in the United Arab Emirates. Even beaches with Blue Flags – the eco standard. The coastline of Dubai has various public beaches, some of which provide facilities such as sun loungers and multi-coloured beach parasols. There are also areas on some beaches where you can take part in a multitude of sports activities, which include beach volleyball and football.

Many of the beaches are close to amenities such as bars and restaurants, so you will be able to find somewhere to get refreshments. When it comes to culinary wonders that tickle the palate, the restaurants in Dubai definitely won’t be found wanting. Here you’ll find various dishes from different cuisines, ranging from fast food and bar chow to gourmet Arabic cuisine, all these are readily available.

There is much to see and do in the United Arab Emirates, whatever your interests. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach, browsing the shops or you can go diving or take a camel ride through the lush oasis. There should be something to suit even the most discriminating of green tastes!

The post 3 green reasons why the UAE should be on your travel bucket list appeared first on Green Prophet.

Now that the turkey and its trimmings have digested in your belly, time to start planning a spring eco holiday! Time for Turkey? The country’s natural beaches enjoy little development (that might change) are now considered to be the top three beaches in the world.

According to Blue Flag, an exclusively international eco-label given to beaches and marinas, Turkey’s beaches rank third in the world.

The Turkish Environment Education Association General Manager Erol Gungor  said, “383 beaches and 21 marinas in Turkey have been awarded so far, and now we are third in Blue Flag.”

While eco-forward Israel to the south has just started earning Blue Flags, we must keep in mind that Turkey has “Blue Flag” experience for 20 years, and it plans to increase the numbers.

While it is a bit cold for swimming in Turkey right now (unless you go the hot springs), it is a most divine location for a late spring or summer holiday. The beaches stretch for hundreds of miles along the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean, and are unmatched due to little development and clear blue aquamarine colors. There are places to party (and treehouses to live in for a week or more) but most of the beaches are unoccupied.

That scenery with local food and hospitality make Turkey and awesome getaway. I spent a week on a chartered sailboat along the Med before heading to Syria and it was an eco-travellers dream.

Turkey has a booming organic food industry and a heightened sense of ecological awareness. We hope this remains true as the country opens up its real estate market to foreign buyers.

Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label given to beaches and marinas having reached to a standard stated in the criteria. It is an international program currently being implemented in 41 countries around the world including South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, Israel, Jordan and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches/marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.

Above image of Oludeniz from a paraglide (bird’s eye view), Fethiye, Turkey

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