On the other hand, the condition of coral reef habitats has deteriorated and the size of coastal ecosystems has decreased. The number of threatened mammal species is relatively high compared to that in other OECD countries, while the status of other species is more favourable. The NBS recognises that economic development and biodiversity conservation objectives are not incompatible. This represents an important shift from the traditional conservation approach followed in Israel and many other countries for a number of years.