Preserving Biodiversity

Doral is committed to preserving biodiversity at its facilities and, as part of this approach, advocates minimizing the use of large land areas and open spaces for renewable energy production as much as possible, constantly working to find solutions that will save land and reduce harm to ecological corridors and wildlife.

The topic of ​​biodiversity is managed at the Company by a dedicated function responsible for monitoring the implementation of work procedures and reporting, as well as communication with external organizations.

During the initial land analysis process, an environmental impact assessment is conducted to check all existing sensitivities in the area, such as forests, nature reserves, ecological corridors, wetlands, etc.

In cases where a certain environmental sensitivity is identified by professionals during land analysis, the Company seeks to find a suitable alternative without environmental impacts. Additionally, if during the project’s advancement, it becomes evident that there may be associated environmental impacts that were not known during the initial land analysis, the Company will exclude and/or limit the use of the relevant land area.

For example, in the Megiddo area project, a joint project of several communities with a capacity of about 60 megawatts, environmental bodies raised the issue that a drainage channel near the plan could serve as an ecological artery. Therefore, Doral proposed to avoid fencing the area to allow for continued natural and full ecological activity. Moreover, additional ecological solutions were proposed in the area, such as integrating openings in the fence, ecological monitoring, and more.

The environmental plan for the area can be accessed on the Planning Administration’s website: https://mavat.iplan.gov.il/SV4/1/2005183102/310.

During the planning process, Doral systematically defines environmental impact areas, supported by professional documentation such as an environmental landscape document, a runoff management appendix, a site rehabilitation plan to convert it back to agricultural land (if applicable), and an architectural landscape plan (as required). The key environmental impact areas include landscape, ecology, soil contamination, radiation, drainage, dust, and light disturbances.

A comprehensive environmental report by Doral, which was submitted for approval to the Planning Authority for the Hedera Shean Project “TATL 97” is available at the following link: https://mavat.iplan.gov.il/SV4/1/99000933835/310

Doral uses wildlife-friendly fencing in coordination with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA), providing a solution for wildlife movement and reducing the fragmentation of open spaces. The Company follows guidelines from authorized bodies regarding the integration of plant species relevant to the project environment. For every project, Doral collaborates and coordinates with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

In additional projects, such as biogas initiatives, Doral prepares comprehensive environmental documentation that examines all aspects of the facility’s interaction with the environment, including emissions, odors, noise, drainage, visibility, and landscape integration.

In Doral Environmental Infrastructure projects, the Best Available Techniques (BAT) guidelines from the Ministry of Environmental Protection are mandatory during planning and construction of biogas and the waste-to-energy facilities. Accordingly, the Company collaborates technologically and commercially with leading and highly experienced global technology companies, ensuring the use of the latest and most effective technologies.