The centrepiece, and one of the keys to success, will be a high-profile lead initiative that pilots an integrated set of green building and sustainable settlement approaches in Eilat, as a model ‘green city’. The effect could be catalytic, transforming perceptions of the region, providing new skills and employment opportunities for existing residents and supporting local green business start-ups. It needs to be recognised that these training and employment opportunities will not be limited to green skills per se, but will likely be even more prevalent in traditional skills areas in construction, electricity, etc.