Water Mission in Israel: Strengthening Cooperation Between the Czech Republic and Israel
19.09.2024 / 15:31 | Aktualizováno: 23.09.2024 / 11:24
On Friday, 13 September 2024, a Czech water management delegation arrived in Israel, organized by the Czech-Israeli Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the ICCCI (Israel-Czech Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and the Commercial Section of the Czech Embassy in Tel Aviv. The delegation included representatives from key institutions and companies, such as the Czech Senate, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment of the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Environment of Slovakia, the State Land Fund, regional authorities, and leading water management companies.
A comprehensive four-day program was designed to showcase Israel’s cutting-edge innovations in water management. Key highlights of the mission included:
Visit to Netafim
On the first day, the delegation visited Netafim, located in Kibbutz Magal. Netafim is a global leader in drip irrigation technology, which has revolutionized efficient water management. The delegation gained valuable insights into the history and development of this innovative technology that has positioned Israel as a world leader in this field. Drip irrigation is especially crucial in areas facing water scarcity—an issue increasingly relevant to many regions of the Czech Republic.
Meeting with IDE Technologies
At the Hadera Desalination Plant, the delegation was introduced to one of the most advanced desalination plants in the world. They learned about the processes for treating municipal and industrial wastewater and explored innovative methods for removing harmful contaminants, such as PFAS, from water sources.
Expert Lectures and Networking at the Czech Embassy
On Monday, 16 September, the delegation attended a series of expert presentations at the Czech Embassy in Tel Aviv. Dr. Harel Gal from the Israel Water Authority and Dr. Eddie Cytryn from the Volcani Institute provided valuable insights into Israel’s approaches to water resource management and technological advances in the agricultural sector. The rooftop networking lunch offered an opportunity for delegates to build relationships with Israeli partners and representatives from the Israel-Czech Chamber of Commerce and Industry, laying the groundwork for future cooperation.
Tour of the Shafdan Wastewater Treatment Plant
The delegation explored state-of-the-art wastewater treatment technologies at the Shafdan plant, operated by Mekorot, Israel’s national water company. This facility represents some of the most innovative solutions in water recycling, which could serve as inspiration for similar projects in the Czech Republic.
Collaboration with vBact
On the final day, the delegation met with representatives from vBact, an Israeli company specializing in real-time water quality monitoring. The company’s solutions could significantly enhance water resource monitoring in the Czech Republic, offering faster detection and response to potential contamination.
Outcomes and Future Collaboration
The mission provided the Czech delegation with valuable knowledge of Israel’s latest water management technologies and practices. It also fostered important new connections with Israeli experts and companies, paving the way for future collaboration in the water sector. This mission has further strengthened the long-standing relationship between the Czech Republic and Israel, with promising opportunities for mutual growth and innovation.