The National Strategic Plan Highlights of the plan Programming areas Government decisions Newsletters    News “Young Adults Centers” Initiative Begins “A Promising Future” – the first year    Links Ministry of Negev and Galilee Development Israel Government Portal The Negev Development Authority Ministry of Education Ministry of Industry, Trade & Labor Jewish Agency for Israel Ben Gurion University of the Negev To All Links   Highlights of the plan    The national strategic plan for the development of the Negev is the result of a joint effort involving many factors from the government, and the public, private and voluntary sectors. It represents the existing needs as well as the directions for change that are part of the concept and the commitment of the various factors to developing the Negev.     Download File Background Objectives Programming areas Background The joint vision which guides the development of the Negev is “The development, advancement and establishment of the Negev region, positioning the Negev at the center of the map of national interests, transforming the region into one that attracts people, while improving the overall quality of life and development of an active, quality and contributing community.”   The strategic plan is spread over a ten year period, and is based on an integrative approach which deals in parallel with different levels and fields of activity, and is focused on the geographic area south of the line Sderot-Beit Kama-Arad. The program earmarks a significant investment of resources for the Bedouin sector in the Negev, in order to narrow the gaps in three main areas: education, employment and infrastructure, and in order to integrate the Bedouin community in the to fabric of civilian life in the Negev. The Negev has many assets and for development and growth in different sectors. The plan aims to make use of these assets and strengths with active participation from the residents and leaders of the Negev in implementing the program. Back to top Objectives   The strategic plan aims to achieve 4 central objectives: Population: Increasing the population in the program’s target area from 535,000 people (data from 2003) to 900,000 by the year 2015. Employment: Increasing the number of employees among Negev residents from 164,000 people (data from 2003) to 300,000 by the year 2015. A significant tool in achieving this objective by raising the rate of participation in the work force in the target area. Salary: Reduce the gap in average income per capita between the target area and the national average by 60%. (From a gap of 10.7% according to 2001 data to 4.2% in 2015) Students: Equalize the percentage of higher education students among Negev (Jewish) residents ages 20-29 to that of the national average (from 12.1% to 15.6%) and increase the percentage of Bedouin higher education students ages 20-29 from 2.2% (as of 2001) to 5% by the year 2015. Back to top Programming areas   The plan adopts an integrative approach dealing in parallel with a number of layers. Economic Development: Removal of the horizontal barriers to economic development (difficulty in implementing investment, crime, etc.) and cultivation of leading branches (hi-tech, tourism, chemistry) will assist in the creation of more work places. In addition, development of tourism will also strengthen the region’s reputation. Infrastructure: Completion of investment in transportation infrastructure will improve the quality of life and will ease the development of businesses and attract population. Investment of the infrastructure of Bedouin localities is needed to improve living conditions and to attract people from nomadic to permanent settlements. Development of the Negev will balance develop of human activities with nature and the environment and emphasize implementing a policy of sustainability. Settlement and Housing: Create a mix of unique real estate options and assistance in purchasing housing in the region will help draw a strong population to the Negev. Education: Reduction in educational gaps and investment in excellence in education in the Negev and its uniqueness will advance the regions pupils and attract population to the area. Community and Leadership: Cultivation of the community and advancement of regional cooperation will assist in reducing negative migration, and attract people to the region. Tourism: Investment in tourism infrastructure, creation of contiguous tracks and facilities for tourist experiences and incentives for small tourism businesses such as: rural bed and breakfasts, food, and attractions. Health: Increase the number of health care professional including specialists and registered nurses; increase the professional manpower for public health services, including encouragement to work in the Negev and the establishment of emergency services in the far periphery. The need to establish an additional hospital and expand hospitalization is being studied by a government committee. Back to top