Israel - 2 Shekels 2014 - HULA NATURE RESERVE - NGC PF 67

Israel - 2 Shekels 2014 - HULA NATURE RESERVE - NGC PF 67 50th Anniversary COMMEMORATIVE COIN ISSUED BY THE BANK OF ISRAEL 3RD IN THE "VIEWS OF ISRAEL" SERIES North of the Sea of Galilee, in the Hula Valley, part of the Syrian African Rift Valley that runs through Israel from north to south, is one of the most beautiful nature reserves of the world, a paradise for birds and heart of a unique flora and fauna. Twice a year, 500 million birds pass here on their migrating route from Europe to Africa. In the 1950's, the Hula swamp area and lake were drained to create arable land, but it soon became evident that in order to protect the natural ecosystem of the area, it was necessary to restore part of the lake and wetlands. After this had been achieved, the area became Israel's first nature reserve, inaugurated in 1964. Tens of thousands of birds of over 200 species, including cranes, storks and pelicans, stay in the reserve, knowing they can find an abundance of food in the Hula Valley. The reserve also shelters rare aquatic plants. Lake Agmon, a re-flooded area of the valley, is also rich in aquatic birds and plants, fostering several that had become extinct due to the draining of the swamp. The third coin in the "Views of Israel" Series commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the inauguration of the Hula Nature Reserve. Its beautiful design depicts the breathtaking scenic Hula landscape and presents the king bird of the Hula, the Crane. Coin Description Obverse: Face Value, Israel State Emblem, "Israel" in English, Hebrew and Arabic, Mint Year and Mint Mark, on the 10 New Sheqalim and 1 New Sheqel denominations, a palm tree, on the 2 New Sheqel denomination, two cranes in flight Reverse: The Hula Nature Reserve with palm trees and a water lily, representing the aquatic plants. In the center is a majestic crane.