The Dead Sea basin and the nearby Judean Desert is an ECO destination of rich, diverse unspoilt desert fauna and flora and lend itself to exploration of nomadic Bedouin life style and storytelling customs. Several protected nature reserves provide exquisite geological phenomena, especially topographical changes effected by gushing water drainage from mountain regions in the north. A relatively new ECO element, are the modern-time communal Kibbutz settlements, maintaining an interesting, close-knit social structure in harmony with nature. Botanical gardens at Kibbutz Ein Gedi display desert agriculture and aquaculture in southern Dead Sea will surprise visitors with thei fish farms in the arid environment. Local artisans practice arts and crafts and offer a feast on their ethnic cooking.