The role of an academic institute in setting national environmental policy: The case of Israel

Two major players are active in determining the development of environmental policies: the government and "the public." These diverse players have intrinsic limitations and are often driven by different agenda, different aims, and different means. Therefore, inconsistent actions and lack of a clear agenda and action plan characterize the environmental policy. There is an essential role for a third player, namely, a team that is as professional and as objective as possible. The Samuel Neaman Institute (SNI) has taken it upon itself to serve as this third party, and has been providing the scientific background needed to develop and propose a rational and environmental set of priorities for Israel since 1998. In this paper, we evaluate the contribution of the SNI to environmental policy making in Israel. We shall determine the relationship between the recommendations and suggestions presented by SNI and the subsequent actions adopted by the various authorities. A very clear advantage of the activity described here is that it serves as a bridge connecting scientists and other professionals to the general public, and raises awareness of the practical and political problems that need to be solved in order to maintain proper environmental quality in the country and the community.