Founded in 1953, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) has become a leading environmental organization. It is dedicated to protecting and preserving Israel’s natural resources, environment, natural assets and unique landscape. SPNI acts as a watchdog and advocate for open spaces in Israel and initiates public campaigns that motivate the public to pressure decision makers to make sustainable, environmentally aware decisions. SPNI also owns and maintains a network of eco-tourism sites, conducts a vast array of formal and informal educational programs, operates the Israel Ornithological Center and International Center for the Study of Bird Migration, and works to bring about the self-empowerment of locals through establishing coalitions and forums that bring together concerned locals.