The State of Nature in Israel – a new outdoor exhibition that summarizes a decade of scientific monitoring and presents the current status of biodiversity in Israel.

The exhibition is on display in the Galilee Breezeway at the entrance to the museum and open to the public, free of charge, from Wednesday May 21, 2025.

Israel is blessed with unique, diverse nature, but faces serious challenges to protect it, including rapid population growth and aggressive development. In the last decade alone there has been a dramatic decline – one-third of butterfly species and one-fifth of bird species living in Israel are no longer here. Accelerated development, habitat destruction and global warming are putting our ecosystems in real danger. Monitoring is an essential tool for identifying trends and threats and developing knowledge-based programs for restoring and conserving biodiversity.

This exhibition is based on the findings of the national ecosystem assessment program for the state of nature – HaMaarag, which was established in 2006 in partnership with the Steinhardt Museum, the Ministry for Environmental Protection, Keren Kayemet LeIsrael and Israel Nature and Parks Authority. The program aims to monitor the state of nature in Israel, make the data accessible to the public and provide a decision-making tool to policy makers.

Dr. Itai Renan, Director of the Maarag Program: “We are proud to unveil the findings of the State of Nature Report in Israel through this new exhibition. The report and exhibition mark a decade of comprehensive monitoring of flora and fauna across the country. It is my hope that presenting these findings to a wide and diverse audience will strengthen public awareness and engagement with the vital need to protect our natural environment.”

Alon Sapan, Director of the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History: “Nature in Israel is at a critical juncture. Alongside great challenges, we also have the knowledge, ability and responsibility to take action. This exhibition is part of our deep commitment at the museum – to connect the public to the world of nature, raise awareness and lead change. This is a call to action – to understand, connect and take part in protecting the environment for future generations”.

Exhibition curator: Dr. Orit Engelberg