UAE Cabinet Meeting Led By Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Launches 'Plant The Emirates' Programme For Agricultural Development
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has introduced the "Plant the Emirates" national programme. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural development and ensure sustainable food security in the UAE. The announcement took place during a Cabinet meeting in Al Marmoom, Dubai, with several high-ranking officials present.
During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed stated, "Today we launched a national programme to revitalise and boost the agricultural sector in the UAE, during a Cabinet meeting at Al Marmoom farms." He further emphasised that this programme continues the legacy of Sheikh Zayed by promoting agriculture across schools and homes.
The "Plant the Emirates" programme aligns with the UAE's vision for agricultural advancement. It encourages local communities to engage in domestic farming and expand green spaces. The initiative also supports environmental protection efforts and aims to make UAE agricultural products synonymous with quality.
As part of this initiative, the Cabinet approved establishing The National Agriculture Centre. This centre will drive agricultural progress by providing technical support, fostering partnerships, launching initiatives, and promoting local products. It will play a crucial role in advancing agricultural technologies and expanding green spaces.
The Cabinet was updated on the Biodiversity Sites Project led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. This project identifies key biodiversity sites in collaboration with international organisations. Nine significant sites have been recognised based on international standards, contributing to global biodiversity databases.
The project aims to enhance environmental competitiveness by increasing protected areas among key biodiversity sites. It seeks to elevate marine protected areas from 48.61% to 98.17% and terrestrial protected areas from 51.55% to 98.08%, significantly boosting conservation efforts.
National Agriculture Centre's Role
The National Agriculture Centre is tasked with developing strategic initiatives to increase productivity and improve supply chains while reducing production costs. Over five years (2025-2030), it plans to raise productive farms by 20% and organic farms by 25%. Additionally, it aims for climate-smart solutions adoption across 30% of farms.
The centre will also focus on reducing agricultural waste by 50% and increasing local product use in restaurants and hotels by 25%. By supporting innovative projects with technical assistance, it ensures continuous sector evolution through modern practices.
UAE Circular Economy Agenda
The Cabinet reviewed progress on implementing the UAE Circular Economy Agenda 2031. Achievements include regulating waste transfer between emirates for better investment environments and supporting infrastructure investments through trade monitoring measures.
Legislation has been applied regarding plastic scrap trade, recycled materials usage in consumer goods, and using food waste oils as vehicle fuel within biofuel regulations. These steps aim to foster sustainable practices across various sectors.
International Agreements
The Cabinet ratified several international agreements during this session. These include an extradition treaty with Sweden and a WHO agreement for establishing a Global Health Emergency Logistics Hub in the UAE. Memoranda of Understanding were signed with countries like North Macedonia, Russia, USA, and Saudi Arabia covering diverse areas such as civil defence and renewable energy cooperation.
The UAE's accession to both Antarctic Treaty of 1959 ensuring peaceful use only & Arctic Council observer status was approved enhancing cooperation globally while promoting scientific collaboration among nations involved therein too!
Cultural Initiatives
The National Award for Culture & Creativity has been elevated into Emirates Medal recognising cultural contributions globally encouraging younger generations' engagement within this sector significantly impacting future growth potentials positively overall!
Additionally hosting five major international events including WeProtect Global Alliance Summit focused on child protection online abuse prevention alongside Universal Postal Union Congress scheduled year twenty-twenty-five amongst others related climate change medical education fields respectively further solidifying position internationally renowned hub innovation excellence alike!
With inputs from WAM
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