Latest news with #MinistryOfClimateChange
Khaleej Times
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE fishermen call for clear seasonal bans aligned with neighbouring Gulf states
Emirati fishermen have been voicing frustration over unclear seasonal fishing bans and called for UAE fishing timelines to be brought in line with neighbouring Gulf states to support livelihoods and ensure local fish supply – the Federal National Council heard on Wednesday. FNC member Mohammed Al Kashf questioned the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment over the prolonged fishing ban on certain species, particularly using wire traps known locally as hiyal. Al Kashf said fishermen received text messages informing them of the ban without a clear timeframe, creating uncertainty and affecting their ability to plan around optimal fishing periods. 'This lack of clarity prevents fishermen from benefitting during the most suitable times of the year,' he said, urging the ministry to consider adjustments that support both fish stock sustainability and the economic wellbeing of Emirati fishermen. Responding to the concerns, Minister of Climate Change and Environment Amna Al Dahak said the fishing ban period has remained unchanged since 2021 and currently runs from November 1 to May 13 each year, based on ministerial decisions informed by scientific studies. Furthermore, the ministry sends regular notifications to fishermen, including reminders at the start and end of each season. 'These periods are based on studies that aim to ensure the regeneration of fish stocks and protect marine life,' said the minister, adding that awareness workshops are held in coordination with the Fishermen's Cooperative Union to keep fishermen informed. Four such workshops were conducted this year alone. Minister Al Dahak stressed that preserving the fishing profession and ensuring its sustainability remains a key priority. 'We work closely with fishermen and regularly hold stakeholder meetings to address their challenges and align on goals," he said. Coordination is also ongoing with local authorities and through joint technical committees at the GCC level, she added. Al Kashf welcomed the ministry's engagement but pointed out that fishermen still face operational difficulties when bans are imposed late or without fixed reopening dates. He said preparations for the fishing season, such as recruiting crew and acquiring supplies, require significant time and investment. 'Veteran fishermen and sea-goers know the right times for the season to start, and the ministry is pushing efforts in the right direction,' he said. 'But there is a clear call from fishermen to begin the season in early October instead, to match neighbouring countries.'
Khaleej Times
26-06-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Jail, up to Dh1 million fine: UAE passes draft law for illegal import of animals
A new draft law has specified jail time and fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million for illegal import of animals through unofficial channels, as part of a broader effort to protect the UAE from animal-borne diseases. Under the draft law passed by the Federal National Council on Wednesday, June 25, all animal shipments entering, exiting, or transiting through the UAE will be subject to enhanced veterinary quarantine procedures designed to detect and prevent the spread of disease. The proposed legislation grants the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment powers to impose import bans or restrictions on countries or regions where outbreaks pose a threat to national biosecurity. It stipulates that no animal shipments may enter the country except through officially designated border crossings. The ministry will identify these authorised ports of entry and specify which types of shipments are allowed at each. In cases where an animal disease is detected in a source country, the law allows for imports under strict conditions, provided that the exporting country meets health regulations determined through risk assessment. Detailed procedures and documentation requirements will be outlined in the law's executive regulations. Importers must apply in advance for veterinary health certificates and permits from the ministry, with regulations also covering animal feed, by-products and waste material, not just live animals. Violations will carry heavy penalties. Those who bypass official ports may face at least one year in jail and a fine ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million, with confiscation of the animals or products involved. Repeat offenders will face doubled penalties. Fines of up to Dh500,000 may also be imposed on those who fail to comply with animal health import conditions, including transport specifications. Importers or owners who refuse to implement ministry directives concerning non-compliant shipments can face fines of up to Dh100,000. The draft law also lays out administrative violations and penalties, which will be approved by the cabinet based on the minister's recommendations. It designates authorised inspectors appointed in coordination with the Ministry of Justice to act as judicial officers in identifying legal breaches. Fees related to the implementation of the law will be set by cabinet decision, following proposals from the minister and coordination with the Ministry of Finance.
The National
02-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Landmark UAE climate law aims to curb emissions and boost net-zero ambitions
A new UAE climate law that requires companies to keep emission levels in check or face fines has been hailed as a "pivotal shift" for the country. Federal Decree-Law No 11 of 2024 on Reduction of the Effects of Climate Change, which came into effect on Friday, mandates emissions reporting and climate adaptation measures across all sectors, from heavy industry to health care and energy, as well as small private enterprises in free zones. For the first time, climate action is not simply encouraged in the UAE, it is legally required. Under the legislation, companies must submit regular emissions reports to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, develop decarbonisation strategies aligned with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy and establish greenhouse gas monitoring systems that adhere to international standards. Those failing to comply could face fines of up to Dh2 million ($544,588). "This law marks a pivotal shift in the regulatory landscape," said Antonios Vouloudis, senior director of sustainability and stewardship at NYU Abu Dhabi. "Climate action is no longer a voluntary effort. It is a legal requirement and a critical element of long-term business resilience and competitiveness." Industry experts believe the initial enforcement of the legislation may focus on large emitters. The most affected sectors include energy, manufacturing, construction, transport and logistics – all with carbon-intensive supply chains and infrastructure. But the legislation "applies to everyone, even free zones", said Amer Arafat of sustainability consultancy Element Six. "It is the most significant change to corporate accountability since financial audits were made mandatory," he added. Critical green strategy The logic of the law is clear. With 85 per cent of the UAE's population and infrastructure located in coastal zones vulnerable to rising sea levels, and models projecting a 2°C rise in average global temperatures by 2040, the UAE is focused on sustainability. "This law reflects the UAE's leadership in climate governance," Mr Vouloudis said. "It sends a clear signal that climate responsibility must be built into national development and private enterprise alike." Offsetting as an option The law establishes a National Carbon Credit Registry to enable carbon trading and shadow carbon pricing, promoting market-driven emissions reductions. "While offsetting can help entities achieve compliance, its effectiveness depends on the integrity of offset projects and proper regulation to avoid greenwashing," Dr Aseel Takshe, acting dean at the Canadian University Dubai, told The National. "However, offsetting is generally considered a supplementary measure – direct emissions reductions and clean technology adoption remain the primary focus for achieving net zero." Dr Takshe believes the introduction of the law opens new avenues for collaboration between academia, government and industry, particularly in efforts to protecting public health and infrastructure. "The law offers opportunities to contribute research, innovation and expertise in areas such as climate risk assessment, health impact modelling and sustainable urban planning," she added. Climate shifts emphasise urgency Recent scientific research underscores the need to act. Dr Diana Francis, a climate scientist at Khalifa University, recently co-wrote a study attributing last year's historic flooding in the UAE to climate change fuelled by human activity. "Extreme events like this will become more common," Dr Francis said. As well as last year's heavy downpour, April 2025 was the hottest on record in the UAE. "We're witnessing the fingerprints of climate change in our daily weather patterns, not just over decades, but over months," she added. Challenges for business Businesses, meanwhile, face a steep learning curve. Many are still unfamiliar with frameworks for measuring emissions and few have in-house sustainability teams. "Think of it like your financial reporting," Mr Arafat said. "You'll need audits, disclosures and probably external consultants until capacity builds internally." Mr Vouloudis said it would be important for business to receive support. "The ministry's commitment to sector-specific workshops and guidance materials is promising, but it must scale quickly," he said. "Capacity-building, especially for small businesses, is vital." For consumers, the legislation could lead to greater transparency about the carbon footprints of goods and services. Companies must now publicly disclose emissions and their progress towards reduction targets. "It will minimise greenwashing," Mr Vouloudis said. "Only verified, compliant claims will stand. That empowers citizens to make informed, climate-conscious choices." Progressive law praised Greenpeace Mena lauded the move as "bold and progressive" and looked for further steps, including clear emissions caps and the prioritisation of clean energy over carbon capture. Mr Vouloudis echoed that sentiment. "This is the scaffolding. The next step is to operationalise it through clarity, enforcement and incentives, especially for those willing to go beyond compliance."
