The Interior Department today announced the finalization of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Israeli government to support cooperation and exchanges on biodiversity conservation, protected areas, and protection of cultural and historical heritage.
DOI noted that the MOU provides a framework to address challenges including protecting ecosystems, wildlife trafficking, and managing parks and cultural sites, and that the agreement stemmed from Israeli efforts launched in 2017 to explore expanded bilateral cooperation on conservation of natural resources, protected areas, and cultural heritage.
Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said that the President “values the partnership the United States has with Israel and our collective efforts to strengthen conservation initiatives internationally” and that he “look[s] forward to strengthening our cooperation with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.”
Israel Nature and Parks Authority Director General Shaul Goldtstein said that both governments “share the same vision of conservation and protection of our nature, heritage and landscapes for future generations” and that he “look[s] forward to continued cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Interior to fulfill this vision.”
DOI last month also announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Norway’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in an effort to strengthen offshore oil and gas, wind, and mineral resource knowledge and experience. The MOU includes activities such as the exchange of scientific and technical information and cooperation on R&D technologies.
Deputy Interior Secretary Kate MacGregor said that the administration is “committed to ensuring our nation is in a position of strength when it comes to domestic energy production, to provide jobs, power our economy, and provide affordable energy for American families and businesses,” calling the MOU an “opportunity to highlight our strong relationship with Norway and our continuing investment in safe and responsible offshore energy development.”
Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy State Secretary Tony Christian Tiller said that the agreement “will further strengthen the longstanding energy partnership between our two countries,” adding that “sharing of best practices and experience will be mutually beneficial, and contribute to sustainable resource management.”
