system in order to respond to events or accidents which may generate environmental pollution, damage or hazards. A mechanism for mutual notification and coordination in cases of such events or accidents will be established.

16. Recognizing the unsatisfactory situation of the environment in the West Bank, and further recognizing the mutual interest in improving this situation, Israel shall actively assist the Palestinian side, on an ongoing basis, in attaining this goal.
    
    
17. Each side shall promote public awareness on environmental issues.
    
    
18. Both sides shall work on appropriate measures to combat desertification.
    
    
19. Each side shall control and monitor the transfer of pesticides and any internationally banned and restricted chemicals in their respective areas.
    
    
20. Each side shall reimburse the other for environmental services granted in the framework of mutually agreed programs.
    
    
21. Both sides shall cooperate in the carrying out of environmental studies, including a profile, in the West Bank.
    
    
22. For the mutual benefit of both sides, the relevant Israeli authorities and the Palestinian Environmental Protection Authority and/or other relevant Palestinian authorities shall cooperate in different fields in the future. Both sides will establish an Environmental Experts Committee for environmental cooperation and understandings.
    

ARTICLE 13

Fisheries

1. This sphere includes, inter alia, licensing of fishermen, marine agriculture and vessels, permits, in the Gaza Strip.
   
   
2. Security restrictions are dealt with in Article XIV ( Security along the Coastline to the Sea of Gaza ) of Annex I.
   

ARTICLE 14

Forests

1. Powers and responsibilities in the sphere of Forests in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip shall be transferred from the military government and its Civil Administration to the Palestinian side. This sphere includes, inter alia, the establishment, administration, supervision, protection, and preservation of all forests ( planted and unplanted ).
   
   
2. In Area C, powers and responsibilities related to the sphere of Forests will be transferred gradually to Palestinian jurisdiction that will cover West Bank and Gaza Strip territory except for the issues that will be negotiated in the permanent status negotiations, during the further redeployment phases, to be completed within 18 months from the date of the inauguration of the Council.
   
   
3. The Palestinian side shall safeguard, protect and preserve all forests in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian side shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection and prevention of damage to said forests.

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