About

Agma is the knowledge center for catchment basins and streams in Israel that integrates information and processes on restoration, conservation, and runoff management fields. Established in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, Drainage and Rivers Authorities’ Forum, the Israeli Society of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, and Yad Hanadiv Foundation, Agma serves as a hub for professional learning and collaboration.

Mission and Core functions

Our mission is to build a dynamic professional community that brings together all stakeholders involved in managing catchment basins and river environments in Israel.
At Agma, we promote the implementation of the Integral Basin Management Approach, cultivating learning and excellence, to create a healthier, more resilient watershed and stream management.

Agma develops practical tools for professionals, collects and disseminates information to create a common language, and integrates multidisciplinary knowledge from various fields. Additionally, Agma initiates knowledge development processes in areas where no capable entities currently operate, aiming to strengthen the resilience and functionality of catchment basins and streams during routine and emergencies. Agma also advises and supports stream restoration demonstration projects across Israel, promoting peer learning and innovation. As an agile platform, Agma promotes holistic collaborations among academia, drainage and river authorities, researchers, and decision-makers, facilitating a multidisciplinary approach to managing and restoring catchment basins and streams in Israel.

Notable Projects

Restoration of the Dalia Stream within the RESTCOAST Project: Agma accompanies the project's overall learning processes. Specifically, Agma supports the collection of knowledge, including evaluating sustainable economic models for coastal ecosystem restoration, a task led by Reichman University.
The National Project for the Restoration of : Agma accompanies the integrated restoration of the 32 km stream basin in evaluation and learning processes, addressing ecological, social, and economic aspects such as innovative incentive models for farmers, rehabilitation of the diverse social fabric in the basin through re-connection to the stream, and creation of manuals and tools for future projects
Restoration of the Upper Nahalal stream: A “Model Farm” by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security led the project as a learning platform, producing with Agma several products, including practical professional guides to make knowledge accessible to the professional community.

Additionally, Agma initiates and organizes dozens of learning events annually, including professional courses, tours, webinars, workshops, and seminars, reaching thousands of participants. The organization operates several websites, including a knowledge center containing dozens of case studies in stream restoration, runoff management, and flood risk management.

With extensive experience and the ability to drive multi-sector partnerships, Agma serves as the coordinator for the National Strategic Plan for Streams Conservation and Restoration lead by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and as a strategic partner in various innovative process initiatives in the field.

General Background

Agma is a Public Benefit Company that emerged in 2020 from a governmental need for a knowledge center to assist in dissemination of knowledge and implementation of the integrated basin catchment approach. The organization is supported by Yad Hanadiv foundation, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Nature and Parks Authority.

Agma consists of 15 employees specializing in pooling and developing practical knowledge, making information accessible and implementable for stakeholders, and developing and leading projects.

Core Capabilities

Implementing the Integrated Basin Catchment Approach: Agma works to promote a paradigm shift in the country by developing policy principles and practical tools for sustainable management of catchment basins and streams.
Developing tools for professionals across various fields: The organization aggregates and makes accessible, cutting-edge knowledge for a diverse range of professionals, including planners, engineers, architects, and ecologists, to assist in the optimal planning and management of catchment basins and streams. Currently, Agma is working on developing an innovative tool for assessing river restoration projects, which will help field personnel and decision-makers set restoration goals and monitor progress.
Economic Aspects: Agma engages in gathering knowledge and raising awareness of the economic aspects of catchment basins and stream management to ensure the financial sustainability of projects.
Professional Community: Agma fosters a professional community of engineers, planners, architects, ecologists, academics, and community members working in Israel's catchment basins and streams. The community serves as a source of mutual enrichment and knowledge sharing.

Core Values

Agma, the Center for Catchment Basins and Streams is committed to the highest quality, innovation, and sustainability standards.

Commitment to Quality: Agma operates in accordance with international standards and implements continuous monitoring and evaluation processes to ensure the quality of projects and activities. The organization emphasizes transparency, professionalism, and collaboration with governmental, academic, and community entities to provide optimal solutions for managing and restoring catchment basins and streams.
Commitment to Innovation: Agma leads the development and implementation of innovative practices in the management of catchment basins and streams. Additionally, Agma promotes collaboration with academic institutions and international organizations to apply science-based and innovative solutions.
Commitment to Sustainability: Agma strives for healthy water streams that provide multiple benefits for nature and humanity. The organization promotes the integrated basin catchment approach, considering ecological, social, and economic aspects to ensure the preservation of ecosystems and their resilience to climate change.

For more information, please contact: info@agma.org.il