Common ground: Israel and the Palestinian Authority have launched a unique, joint ecological venture – a first-of-its-kind eco-park. The park will be the product of collaboration between the West Bank city of Jenin and the Gilboa Regional Council, which have joined forces to rehabilitate the Kishon River. Related stories: Oil Refineries give NIS 90M for Kishon cleanup Heavy fine for marine pollution 'Compensation to Kishon divers insulting' The Kishon River is a 70km-long perennial stream, flowing down from the Gilboa Mountains. It is considered to be one of the most polluted rivers in Israel and has been the subject of controversy regarding the struggle to improve the water quality. Israeli and Palestinian teams, headed by Gilboa Council Head Daniel Atar and Jenin Governor Moussa Qadoura, have already begun work on the future Kishon eco-park. The Kishon River (Photo: Oren Yehuda) The initiative stemmed from the two communities' recognition of joint environmental problems and should it prove successful, it stands to be the first in a series of joint Israeli-Palestinian environmental ventures between the two. The rehabilitation project will span three kilometers on each side of the security fence. The Gilboa Council and Jenin enjoy good neighborly relations, enabling both to promote various projects to boost the local economy. "This project brings together two of the Council's main values – regional peace and the environment," Atar explained. "We are planning public parks on both sides of the fence in hopes that one day they will become one." Nader al-Khateeb, general director of the Palestinian Water and Environmental Development Organization (WEDO) added: "The environment and water do not recognize borders, militaries and fences. They should be a bridge for peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook, Twitter and Google+