Israeli researchers have been trying to use man-made forests to stopthe desertification of the north of the country. Human activity andclimate change are both to blame for the desert's extension. A belt offorest seems to be the only hope to stop its progression. Israel is astrong proponent of afforestation” with artificial forest representing30% of its current forest cover. It's the only country in the worldthat has more forest land now than 100 years ago according to theJewish National Fund” which is holding a conference in Jerusalem aboutthe desertification of the Negev.

See the article in the Jerusalem Post.