Israeli winery Barkan Ltd has fenced their vineyards creating an immediate threat to the wellbeing and existence of wildlife in the Jerusalem corridor. Barkan Ltd is controlled by Tempo Beverages Ltd. Heineken holds 40% of shares within Tempo Beverages.
The Jerusalem corridor is a vivid and essential habitat of the Israeli Gazelle population, constituting its only pathway from the Jerusalem mountains to the coastal plain. This pathway is vital for the Gazelle's existence and well-being.
Fencing vineyards not only blocks the ecologically imperative pathway, but also endangers gazelles and other wildlife in the area.
Over a month ago SPNI (Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel) has reached out to both Barkan and Tempo regarding this delicate and crucial matter. Unfortunately, SPNI has met resistance and unwillingness to cooperate. As of yet, Tempo has not responded to our approach and Barkan, despite meeting with us, went ahead and fenced yet another ecologically vital area in the region.
According to Heineken's website, the company is dedicated to sustainability and explains this as “an overarching, all inclusive concept, not simply another word for environmental credentials. It means sustainability across all aspects of our business - not just the environment. Being green is about making a commitment to people, communities and society. And it means working with others throughout the value chain to make a difference.”
Considering Barkan's and Tempo's actions thus far, it is clear that neither company has placed this environmental threat among its highest priorities. There is room to bring Heineken's perspective on sustainability into the future handling of fencing major ecological corridors near Jerusalem.
