Latest news with #MinistryofClimateChangeandEnvironment


Hi Dubai
04-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
MOCCAE and Tadweer Group Launch Pilot Project to Advance Waste Accountability in UAE
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has partnered with Tadweer Group to launch a pilot project aimed at managing waste from specific product categories under the UAE's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative, a key component of the nation's Integrated Waste Management Agenda 2023–2026. Signed during an event in Dubai, the agreement marks a step forward in the UAE's push toward a circular economy. The pilot project will target waste from electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, and packaging, and will be implemented in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Tadweer Group will act as the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for the project. The EPR model shifts waste management accountability to manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors, encouraging more responsible production and disposal practices. By involving producers directly, the initiative supports international best practices and long-term environmental protection. Minister of Climate Change and Environment Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak stressed the importance of partnerships in delivering sustainable environmental outcomes. She highlighted the project's role in helping achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and securing a pollution-free environment for future generations. Tadweer Group CEO Eng. Ali Al Dhaheri said the pilot sets the groundwork for a more efficient and accountable waste management system, with learnings from the trial to guide future policy development. The MoU outlines efforts to assess regulatory frameworks, engage the private sector, and document challenges and successes from the pilot. It also includes a public awareness component to drive participation. Twenty-six companies across key sectors signed the EPR Pledge at the event, signaling broad private sector commitment to sustainable waste management in the UAE. News Source: Emirates News Agency


Al Etihad
03-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
MOCCAE collaborates with Tadweer Group to launch pilot project for managing targeted product waste
3 July 2025 22:59 DUBAI (WAM) The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tadweer Group to implement a pilot project for managing targeted product waste under the UAE's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) initiative. The EPR is one of the key initiatives within the UAE Integrated Waste Management Agenda 2023– signing took place during an event in Dubai, attended by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; and Engineer Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer Group. Several senior officials from both entities were also MoU forms part of the UAE's broader efforts to advance environmental sustainability, strengthen integrated waste management, address pressing environmental challenges, and support the transition towards a circular economy and sustainable economic and Tadweer Group are collaborating on a pilot project to manage targeted product waste, specifically electrical and electronic equipment, batteries, and packaging. This project will be temporarily implemented and operated as a pilot in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with Tadweer Group as the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the UAE's partnership-driven approach to achieving the UN Sustainable Development approach is reflected in the implementation of strategic initiatives designed to deliver sustainable environmental solutions, particularly in waste management. It ensures the safe, long-term disposal of waste, and protects the right of future generations to live in a clean, pollution-free Al Dahak added, 'We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Tadweer Group to support our goals for integrated management and safe disposal of waste, while also ensuring waste is reused optimally within the UAE's advanced circular economy framework. The EPR initiative constitutes a key pillar of this framework, engaging all stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers, in the waste management process in line with international best practices."Eng. Dhaheri said, 'Tadweer Group is proud to work closely with the Ministry on this important initiative. This will play a key role in the waste journey by holding manufacturers accountable for their role in waste creation. By piloting an EPR model, we are laying the foundation for a more accountable and resource-efficient waste management system. In addition, we will explore invaluable learnings that will inform future strategies focused on EPR, ensuring a seamless transition to a model that benefits the environment, businesses, and our community.'The MoU includes measures to boost regulatory readiness by improving understanding of the requirements for implementing EPR monitoring, its key influencing factors, and documenting the lessons learned and challenges encountered during the pilot the MoU supports the objectives of the circular economy by promoting private sector participation and investment in sustainable waste management, developing a roadmap for policy development and implementation mechanisms, and assessing the effectiveness of the EPR MoU stipulates that both parties will jointly manage and operate the project on a pilot basis in Abu Dhabi and pilot will be conducted in coordination with the producers of the targeted products and the signatories of the EPR Pilot Project Pledge. The parties will also lead efforts to raise public awareness and promote community engagement to ensure active participation in the pilot roles and responsibilities of producers and suppliers are identified in Cabinet Resolution No.39 of 2021 regarding the executive regulations of Federal Law No.12 of 2018 concerning integrated waste the event, 26 companies spanning diverse sectors – including retail, production, and waste management services – formally signed the EPR Pledge, marking a significant milestone for the pilot EPR project. This powerfully demonstrates the UAE private sector's deep commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible waste management.


Al Etihad
01-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
MOCCAE bolsters UAE aquaculture with focus on exports, sustainability and food security
2 July 2025 00:56 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)The UAE's fisheries and aquaculture sector has seen significant expansion in recent years, driven by strategies that balance sustainability with economic growth. Now, locally farmed fish not only cater to domestic demand but are also part of a broader push to boost exports and tap into high-potential global markets, according to an official from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). In an interview with Aletihad , Dr. Ebrahim Abdulla Husain Al Jamali, Director of the Fisheries Sustainability Department at the MOCCAE, said the ministry is actively working to expand aquaculture exports to meet rising global demand. 'This strategic push includes expanding access to new global markets, with a particular focus on regions demonstrating strong demand for high-quality, sustainably farmed seafood. The strategy also involves promoting species with proven market acceptance and significant export potential,' he said. In 2022, aquaculture production in the country reached 3,526.5 tonnes, with ongoing efforts to increase this figure through farm expansion and improved goal, he added, is to 'position the UAE as a leading regional exporter of premium aquaculture products, while simultaneously supporting broader economic diversification and sustainable growth objectives'. Boosting National Food Security Within the country, fish is a key part of the National Food Security Strategy 2051. Recent studies on consumer behaviour have found that the UAE's per capita seafood consumption —26.4kg in 2022 — exceeds the global average, underscoring the importance of this sector within the country's food system. The ministry has been leveraging such insights to tailor strategies, as it works towards enhancing aquaculture's contribution to building a stable and resilient national food supply. 'The ministry is actively streamlining aquaculture development by significantly simplifying licensing procedures, eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, and prioritising environmental sustainability,' Dr. Al Jamali said.'Complementing these regulatory efforts, comprehensive support programmes are in place to support local farmers.'Technical expertise and advisory services have been been made available to farmers, while investors benefit from dedicated guidance being provided throughout the licensing process, he added. In support of efficient farm operations, MOCCAE has launched an integrated suite of smart digital services that streamline aquaculture-related processes, including licensing and the importation of live fish and broodstock. Among these services is an advanced permitting system for importing live aquatic organisms, ensuring rigorous inspection at entry points to uphold biosecurity system enhances transparency and speed, with permits valid for up to three months and additional services available for exporting and re-exporting aquaculture products. 'These smart services foster a business-friendly environment… encouraging private sector engagement within the aquaculture industry,' Dr. Al Jamali said. Responsible GrowthIn a bid to innovate and expand production, MOCCAE is also investing in research and development with private sector partners, focusing on the commercial viability of new local species, Dr. Al Jamali said. A pivotal collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) led to the creation of the UAE Aquaculture Toolkit, which provides a scientific and operational foundation for modern aquaculture practices. Key components of the toolkit include an 'Atlas of Potential Offshore Aquaculture Zones', a 'Consumer Preferences Study,' and comprehensive biosecurity guidelines for disease prevention at the farm level. Consumer studies conducted as part of the Aquaculture Toolkit have provided valuable insights that guide production, marketing, and policy decisions within the UAE's aquaculture sector, Dr. Al Jamali said.'These consumer insights directly inform policy, guiding the sector to focus production on high-demand species that exhibit excellent taste, texture, and growth performance. They also highlight the need to invest in modern production systems, such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to maintain consistent quality.'With insights gathered through this toolkit, a National Aquaculture Development Plan is in the works, Dr. Al Jamali said. This plan aims 'to expand farms, diversify production, ensure sustainability (environmental, social, economic), improve investment, boost GDP contribution, and create export opportunities', he added. Sustainability remains at the core of the UAE's aquaculture expansion. MOCCAE's efforts are underpinned by Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 on the Exploitation, Protection, and Development of Living Aquatic Resources and Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on Environment Protection and Development. 'Together, these laws form a comprehensive and strong legal foundation that ensures the responsible growth of the aquaculture sector, effectively balancing industry expansion with the protection and conservation of the natural environment,' Dr. Al Jamali said.


Al Etihad
17-06-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
UAE's marine protected areas serve as safe haven for iconic sea turtles
18 June 2025 00:46 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)Reaffirming the UAE's leadership in marine biodiversity preservation, particularly sea turtle conservation, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has established 16 marine protected areas (MPAs) in the total protected area cover in the country accounts for 18.4% of its terrestrial territory and 12.01% of its marine territory, said Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at MOCCAE, in an interview with marks a 15.53% increase in the size of protected areas in 2020 from 15.07% in 2019, she protected zones are instrumental in shielding fragile ecosystems from human disturbances such as fishing, boating and pollution, all of which pose significant threats to sea turtles."Marine Protected Areas serve as vital sanctuaries for marine turtles," said Al Shehhi. "They safeguard nesting beaches, protect essential food sources like seagrass beds, and provide a safe haven from threats like poaching and trawling."The UAE is home to five of the seven existing sea turtle species, with hawksbill and green turtles known to nest on its have contributed to a measurable increase in turtle populations by effectively conserving nesting sites and minimising human impact on critical habitats, according to Al these efforts is the UAE's National Biodiversity Strategy 2031, a comprehensive framework aimed at assessing, conserving, and restoring the nation's biodiversity. The strategy's goals include rehabilitating 80% of degraded land and marine areas and improving the status of endangered native species by 10%.Underpinning this initiative is a multi-tier legislative framework that protects marine turtle species at both federal and emirate levels. The UAE has also launched a National Red List covering over 304 marine species, including dugongs and sea turtles, to provide a data-driven approach to conservation."The strategy is not only about preservation but also about sustainable utilisation and research-driven innovation," said Al Shehhi. "It aims to ensure a balance between environmental sustainability and economic development."Marine turtles face mounting threats, including habitat loss due to coastal development, entanglement in fishing gear, plastic pollution, and climate change. Warming seas and increasing marine debris-particularly ghost nets and plastics-pose serious risks to turtle address these challenges, MOCCAE has launched the National Plan for the Conservation of Sea Turtles. The plan focuses on reducing mortality, enhancing habitat protection, improving research and data sharing, and raising public awareness. It also aims to build national capacity by providing training, advanced monitoring tools, and technologies for conservation UAE's commitment to marine turtle conservation extends beyond its borders. The nation is a signatory to the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia (IOSEA) memorandum of understanding for the conservation and management of marine turtles. Within this framework, sites like Bu Tinah Island, Sir Bu Na'ir, and Al Qurm Protected Areas are internationally recognised for their ecological UAE is also a founding Middle Eastern member of the Global Ocean Alliance, pledging to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. It has joined the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People and is actively contributing to the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)."These international collaborations highlight the UAE's proactive role in global conservation efforts," Al Shehhi stated. "We are not only conserving marine turtles within our waters but also contributing to their protection on a global scale."With a high Ocean Health Index score of 80 - well above the global average of 69 - the UAE continues to lead by example in marine conservation. The COP28 Joint Statement on Climate, Nature, and People further reinforces the country's commitment to aligning climate and biodiversity goals, she added. Source: AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI


Daily Tribune
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain and UAE Strengthen Environmental Cooperation Through Ghaf Tree Planting Initiative
Senior officials from Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates recently met to explore ways to work together on environmental and municipal projects. Engineer Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Undersecretary for Municipal Affairs at Bahrain's Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs, welcomed a delegation from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The UAE team was led by Marwan Abdullah Al Zaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Regions Sector, and the meeting was also attended by Engineer Asim Abdulatif Abdullah from the Bahraini ministry. Sheikh Mohammed spoke about the strong friendship between the two countries and praised the steady growth in cooperation over the years. One of the main topics discussed was the planting of Ghaf trees in Bahrain — a project aimed at supporting environmental sustainability. Sheikh Mohammed thanked the UAE for its support in helping Bahrain expand its green spaces. Mr. Al Zaabi also highlighted the importance of such joint efforts, saying that projects like the Ghaf tree initiative play a big role in protecting the environment and achieving shared development goals in the region.