The UAE ‘Year of Sustainability’ has been extended into 2024, it has been announced.
Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, affirmed the extension, as announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
The aim of the initiative, it was shared, is to build on the UAE’s efforts in this field, building on the COP28 and the UAE Consensus.
On the 27th National Environment Day, held under the theme “Together for a Sustainable Local Product”, HE Dr. Al Dahak urged for collaboration across various stakeholders from the public, private sectors, and the community to continue to protect the environment and conserve resources.
The importance of supporting local products and raising awareness about transforming food systems to become more sustainable, resilient, and locally sourced, was also underlined.
“On National Environment Day, let’s enhance collaboration, and engage in meaningful dialogues with farmers, livestock farmers, and fishermen, who are the backbone of the security of food we have established in the UAE. We must eliminate obstacles, enabling them to contribute effectively to boosting our local products,” said HE Dr. Al Dahak.
Adding: “From the food we consume to the products we purchase and the water we use, every choice influences our environment. While our food systems address humanity’s fundamental needs, they also contribute to one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions.”
HE Dr. Al Dahak urged all stakeholders, including public and governmental bodies, relevant organisations, and the community, to unite in “championing” local products in the UAE.
This year’s theme will focus on engaging with local producers, and the community to shed light on the importance of bringing together all stakeholders and the community to increase domestic food production and consumption.
During COP28, over 159 Heads of State and Government, representing a combined population of over 6.2 billion people, endorsed the ”COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action,” which highlights the potential of agriculture and food systems to drive innovative responses to climate change, and ensure safe, sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food for all.
The nation’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy was launched prior to COP28, and set out a plan for how the country will build on the momentum created by its Third Update to the Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), moving from 40 per cent emission reduction by 2030, to Net Zero by 2050.
“MOCCAE considers it imperative that alongside the integration of innovation and technology into our food systems, the entire supply chain works collaboratively to ensure we produce, source, consume, and dispose of food sustainably,” MOCCAE said.
National Environment Day activities will continue through to World Environment Day on June 5, it was shared.