Minister Erdan met with the Italian Minister Prestigiacomo during her visit to Israel as part of a delegation of nine ministers, headed by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The meeting between the ministers took part within the framework of the Italy-Israel intergovernmental consultation forum.

During the meeting, the two ministers signed a letter of intent to cooperate on environmental protection and sustainable development. Among the subjects for cooperation:

• Research and development on environmental technologies, including renewable energies, water desalination, sustainable transportation, water resources management
• Mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
• Combating desertification.

It was also decided that the two sides will form a joint committee, headed by the directors general of the ministries, to identify projects and programs for joint funding. The parties declared their intention to arrange for the provision of two million Euros each during 2010 - 2011.

Within the framework of a joint meeting of the Israeli and Italian government ministers, Minister Erdan presented the declaration of intent signed between the two countries. He said that economic development and environmental protection go hand in hand and that investments in the development of environmental technologies for greenhouse gas mitigation, for reduction of waste and for management of water resources are an imperative. Such investments do not only bring efficient solutions to environmental problems but can serve as a lever for economic growth and employment ("green growth").

Minister Erdan also noted that as a result of the semi-arid climate that characterizes much of the country, Israel has accumulated expertise in areas such as combating desertification, efficient use of water in agriculture, water desalination and renewable energy. Therefore, Israel can and must contribute to regional and global cooperation on the development of environmental technologies.

In light of Israel's experience, the Ministry of Environmental Protection is examining the best way to establish a center of knowledge on adaptation to climate change and is interested in promoting its cooperation with Italy in this field as well. Based on the successful cooperation with Italy in the past, a unification of forces on this subject can bring about welcome results in the future. The letter of intent between the two ministers marks an important first step in this direction.