Background 

During the last several years the awareness of the need for changing our attitude toward the environment has moved from small marginal activist organizations to the mainstream – including discussion within economic and governmental establishments. In Israel the majority of the public lacks real awareness and knowledge of the issue and of the ways to act in response to it. The Hebrew term for sustainability - "kayamut" -- is not even known to the public. The meaning of sustainability -- "a way to live without limiting the ability of future generations to fulfill their needs" - signifies for us a real understanding of our current situation and the search for solutions to contend with it.. It is clear that only real public awareness can lead to a real change. 
We wish to promote a change in the general awareness of the public and to connect people with a sustainable way of living.

Vision and Essence 

Ecosfera, that will take take place in 12-14 April 2009, is Israel’s first national ecological event. This initiative  has a great educational value, aiming as it does to present to the Israeli public knowledge, values and actions which promote the principles of sustainability and ecological thinking.  The whole space of the happening is designed as an integration of ecological content, experiences, arts and enjoyment within nature.
Ecosfeara was born out of a sense of responsibility to our children and for the children and their parents.

Each family participating in the festival will spend their time walking through beautiful nature routes in the Carmel National Park, in the region bordering Ein Hod. The event includes a variety of activities which demonstrate different aspects of sustainable/ ecological issues. We use interactive workshops, art, an exhibition, entertainers and speakers who are committed to positive environmental change. This unique event brings together the leading local environmental authorities, organizations, and businesses that collaborate to offer a full day of programs for the Israeli family’s enjoyment and education. Through the 5 days of activity and a national media campaign we believe we can create a great impact on the public.

Art and Environment

The entire area of the festival is located in the only biosphere reservation in Israel (1 of 500 in the world, as designated by Unesco).  Ecosfera will be a leading experience by its new contents: 
- The first environmental/ecological art exhibition in Israel.
- Interactive and theatrical green activities for the whole family   in cooperation with the local green Organizations. 
- sustainable design bazar.

One main goal of Ecosphere is to establish the first environmental/ecological art exhibition in Israel, one that hopefully will become international. Ein Hod, as the only artist village in Israel, is the most suitable place for presenting such a concept. In the past, Ein Hod's old olive grove was the site of a very successful Biennale for sculpture. We intend to renew this tradition with a new updated concept. 

Partners

-The Hof Hacarmel Regional Council
- The israeli national lottery
-The ministry for environmental protection.
- The Israel Nature and National Park Protection Authority
- Keren Kayemet Le Israel - Jewish National Fund
- The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel
- most of the local green NGO's 
- Hof Hacarmel local community.