Latest news with #MinistryofClimateChangeandEnvironment
Al Etihad
a day ago
- 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.
Hi Dubai
10-06-2025
- Health
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Municipality Hosts Third Food Safety Forum to Bolster Global Standards
Dubai Municipality convened the third Dubai Food Safety Forum on World Food Safety Day, themed 'Food Safety: Prepare for the Unexpected,' uniting global experts to advance science-driven food safety policies and strengthen supply chain resilience. Held in Dubai, the event drew representatives from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and key public, private, and academic stakeholders. Discussions centered on leveraging science-based surveillance to enhance food system sustainability and empower informed consumer choices. Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, emphasized the Forum's role as a scientific platform to anticipate future challenges and build a smart, safe food ecosystem. 'Food safety starts with knowledge and excellence-driven solutions,' he said, highlighting Dubai's commitment to global standards and community health. Mohamed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry, underscored the UAE's leadership in food safety, driven by its National Food Security Strategy 2051. Initiatives like the 'ZAD' food trade portal and Biosecurity Early Notification System reflect efforts to integrate digital tools and risk assessments, ensuring seamless trade and high safety standards. Dr. Ahmed Mokhtar of FAO noted that foodborne illnesses impact 600 million people annually, costing billions. He praised the UAE's science-based approach, including a new strategic index for national food control systems developed with FAO. The Forum also announced the 19th Dubai International Food Safety Conference, set for 17-19 November 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, expecting over 3,000 global participants. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Gulf Today
06-06-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
UAE to enhance sustainable national food security
Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, affirmed that the UAE places food safety at the forefront of its strategic priorities for enhancing sustainable national food security, and considers it indispensable to the stability of food supply chains. In a statement on the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2025, Dr. Al Dahak noted that the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has been consistently working to develop a comprehensive framework of laws and regulations based on scientific principles, in line with global best practices in this field. Dr. Al Dahak stated, 'This year's World Food Safety Day is held under the theme 'Food Safety - Science in Action,' which highlights the use of scientific knowledge as key to ensuring food safety, protecting society and driving well-being in a world experiencing rapid changes and increasing food challenges.' She continued, 'Food safety is a shared national endeavour and an imperative for our future. The UAE has forged a robust foundation, building a flexible and modern legislative system, powered by advanced digital infrastructure, and strengthened by seamless integration across regulatory bodies, government, and the private sector. We continue to enhance our regulatory capabilities and update tracking and early warning mechanisms, ensuring food quality and safety from source to consumer, and further strengthening public trust in the national food system.' The minister pointed out that the growing challenges related to food call for cooperation and coordination among all stakeholders at both local and global levels to share best practices and regulatory standards to ensure the highest levels of food safety. She further stated that the UAE's vision extends beyond its borders committing to international collaboration in food safety. The nation stands ready to partner on initiatives that integrate food safety systems worldwide, sharing expertise as a testament to its international responsibility. Dr. Al Dahak concluded, 'The UAE is committed to continuing investment in knowledge, legislation, and innovation, propelling food safety to new heights and driving the nation's vision for a healthy, safe, and food-secure future.' Earlier Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said that the UAE is continuing its pioneering efforts to reduce plastic pollution at the national and global levels. In a statement marking World Environment Day, which falls annually on June 5th, Dr. Al Dahak reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to protecting its precious environment, inspired by the vision of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who recognised the link between a healthy environment and a thriving society. 'The UAE remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding our natural heritage. We envision a future with thriving ecosystems and protected life both on land and in the sea - a legacy we build together as a community,' she added. This year, World Environment Day calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution, a challenge that demands our immediate attention and unified efforts. In response to this pressing issue, the UAE is implementing a comprehensive system to ensure proper and effective management of plastic products. Starting 1st January 2026, Dr. Al Dahak clarified, the UAE will implement a comprehensive ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products. This builds upon the phased approach initiated in 2024 with the ban on plastic bags. This decisive action underscores our resolve and commitment to environmental stewardship, driving us towards a future where waste and pollution are designed out of our systems. She emphasised that as part of the UAE's global efforts to reduce plastic waste, the Clean Rivers, one of Erth Zayed Philanthropies' initiatives, tackles plastic pollution in river systems by empowering communities and driving innovative solutions to create plastic-free waterways. The Minister of Climate Change and Environment explained that the UAE's Circular Economy Policy is a key driver of this transformation, optimising resource use in critical sectors such as green infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, and responsible food production and consumption. 'The policy prioritises reducing plastic waste and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and recycling. Furthermore, we are resolutely committed to managing hazardous waste and aggressively reducing plastic waste at every level,' she further said. WAM
