Remote Sensing & Agro-informatics Lab

The Iron Sword War caused extensive damage to the Western Negev region, prompting a variety of recovery and restoration plans. However, most of these initiatives have so far overlooked the critical importance of nature conservation and the diverse ecosystem services that benefit local communities and the broader public. Planning this region without incorporating considerations of ecological integrity and human–nature relationships risks causing long-term harm to both the region’s environmental resilience and the well-being of its inhabitants, and, by extension, to the State of Israel as a whole. This study aims to address this gap by proposing a systematic, nature-based spatial planning approach for the Western Negev that supports both biodiversity conservation and sustainable human–nature interactions. Our approach leverages innovative Earth observation technologies and advanced geospatial tools. First, we will generate high-resolution spatial data for the region by analyzing satellite imagery provided by the Israel Space Agency. Using advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, we will classify land use patterns, detect temporal trends, and identify key vulnerabilities before and after the conflict. Second, we will assess patterns of human movement to various points of interest and recreational areas using anonymized, high-resolution mobile device data. This analysis will help map the ways in which people interact with the landscape and the services it offers. Third, we will incorporate comprehensive biodiversity data—current and projected—on plant and animal species, utilizing state-of-the-art ecological models that account for the impacts of climate change on species distributions. All data layers will be integrated into a spatially explicit nature conservation planning framework. Using advanced optimization tools, we will prioritize areas based on their ecological value, their role in supporting human–nature connections, and statutory and planning constraints. The outcomes of this research will offer decision-makers actionable tools and recommendations for informed planning and sustainable management of the Western Negev. Additionally, the methodologies and tools developed will be transferable to other regions and applicable to broader efforts in climate-adaptive conservation and land-use planning, both in Israel and globally.