Al Dahak urges environmental unity on UAE’s Environment Day

In a significant announcement, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, the Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, underscored the extension of the ‘Year of Sustainability’ into 2024, as declared by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This extension, according to Dr. Al Shamsi, reflects the UAE’s steadfast commitment to integrating sustainability into all sectors, fostering these practices within society, and instilling them in future generations.

The overarching goal is to build upon the UAE’s achievements in the realm of sustainability and amplify its role in addressing global climate challenges and safeguarding the planet. This initiative follows the success of COP28 and the historic UAE Consensus.

Dr. Al Shamsi emphasized the potent incentive provided by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s statement, especially for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, which spearheaded national efforts for COP28. The focus remains on collaborating with relevant authorities and engaging the community towards achieving Net Zero by 2050.

On the occasion of the 27th National Environment Day, celebrated under the theme “Together for a Sustainable Local Product,” Dr. Al Shamsi urged collaboration among stakeholders from the public, private sectors, and the community to preserve the environment and conserve resources. She also stressed the significance of supporting local products and raising awareness about transforming food systems to be more sustainable, resilient, and locally sourced.

National Environment Day serves as a testament to the UAE’s dedication to addressing global challenges and upholding the environmental legacy of the nation’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The pursuit of a sustainable food supply necessitates innovation, collaboration, and dialogue with farmers, livestock keepers, and fisheries. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment actively facilitates these conversations, supporting individuals leading the development and sustainability of the nation’s local produce.

Dr. Al Shamsi commended the efforts of these groups, calling for enhanced collaboration and meaningful dialogues with farmers, livestock keepers, and fishermen. Eliminating obstacles, she believes, will enable them to effectively contribute to bolstering local products.

Emphasizing the impact of individual choices on the environment, Dr. Al Shamsi urged stakeholders, including public and governmental bodies, relevant organizations, and the community, to champion local products in the UAE, supporting those leading towards this goal.

This year’s National Environment Day theme focuses on engaging with local producers and the community, emphasizing the importance of uniting all stakeholders to increase domestic food production and consumption.

Opting for sustainable local produce plays a pivotal role in promoting community and environmental health. It ensures access to quality and nutritious food while reducing emissions and contributing to the growth of local businesses and the community’s economic prosperity.

Building on the success of COP28, where food systems were central to negotiations and climate progress, this year’s National Environment Day activities will lead up to World Environment Day on June 5. During COP28, over 159 Heads of State and Government endorsed the ‘COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action,’ recognizing the potential of agriculture and food systems to address climate change.

The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy, launched before COP28, outlines a plan to move from a 40 percent emission reduction by 2030 to Net Zero by 2050. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment emphasizes the integration of innovation and technology into food systems and stresses the collaborative efforts of the entire supply chain to ensure sustainable production, sourcing, consumption, and disposal of food.