Lake Kinneret in Northern Israel is 13 miles wide and 8 miles long and is Israel's only surface fresh water source providing water to Israel's citizens. The lake is threatened on a number of fronts. In the past, SPNI has accomplished much in avoiding continued degradation of the lake, including a successful public and legal campaign against the construction of a large sewage reservoir, just one mile from the lake's northeastern shore. A recommended alternative plan is now being implemented outside the lake's watershed. But the threat to the lake continues, and SPNI is actively involved in various initiatives:

Water level: Over a 24-year period Israel's Water Commissioner has reduced the ‘red line' (the legal minimum water level) by more than 6.5 meters. By allowing the red line to remain at such a low and unsustainable level it lulls the public into a fall sense of security. In February 2004, SPNI successfully persuaded the Water Commissioner, to raise the red line level up by 2.5 meters. SPNI is now in the process of researching and preparing scientific reports and a cost-benefit analysis on the lake's over-exploitation.

Land use policy: Aside from serving as Israel's water resource, the lake is magnificent in its beauty and serves as a recreational area for Israelis, and holds great religious significance to Christians. Thus, it is imperative to ensure an integrative policy for the sustainable development of the lake's surrounding area. SPNI has produced and is working with policy makers to see these concerns included in the foundation for a new official Master Plan.

The Kinneret Trail : SPNI's Environmental Protection Division is developing a hiking trail along the Kinneret's shores, a cumulative distance of 40 miles to return the lake to the public. The public interest and volunteer participation in creating the trail has far exceeded the most optimistic expectations. In March 2004 the Minister of Tourism officially opened the trailbut only a small portion of the trail is ready for public use.
SPNI is working to expand the trail despite the problem of illegal fencing.

Illegal fencing and construction: Much of the Kinneret's shores have been illegally fenced off for years, precluding free passage around the lake. SPNI has documented 120 such fences and is now taking legal action. These efforts are bearing fruit and SPNI continues to work to remove illegal fences so that the Kinneret trail becomes a reality.