Sustainable Development of the Negev was formed to answer the need to consolidate/implement public policy for developing environmental sustainability in the Negev, by influencing policy makers and the public as a whole. SDN strives to increase public awareness of environmental issues, prevent damage to natural resources, and assist those working in similar areas. SDN(non-political) delimits its activity to the Negev, except when an issue impacts on the Negev. With Bilha Givon (founder/director) SDN has become a catalyst for action and influence on environmental issues and furthers its goals together with local municipalities, involving the community in decision making in many areas, forming environmentally sustainable communities, leading public opposition against landscape/environmental damage, establishing forums for environmental responsibility with industry and citizens to build mutual trust, organizing courses/ workshops for the general public in all sectors of the Negev community