Center for Creative Ecology

Lotan’s Center for Creative Ecology is rooted in “Tikun Olam” -- the Jewish concept for repairing and transforming the world. The Center started as a dream and vision. It began with a small desert organic garden, and expanded to include an ecological theme park, migratory bird reserve and nature trails. Each project helps us evaluate new directions we wish to pursue. It now includes alternative building construction within the kibbutz and in the region and the establishment of a unique desert ecological education center that combines hands-on, experiential environmental education in creative recycling, organic gardening and alternative building techniques with Jewish values within the framework of a living community making progress towards sustainability. In 2000, Lotan received the Ministry of the Environment’s Shield award for work in environmental education. Lotan is a member of the European branch of the Global Ecovillage Network and in 2006 received the organization’s award for Ecovillage Excellence in recognition of its work in promoting ecological building, waste management and environmental education; and also for its work in promoting sustainability through the building of bridges between different ethnic groups in Israel.