UAE Joins Forces With UNDP To Fight Plastic Pollution In Support Of SDGs

H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chair of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, highlighted the UAE's dedication to addressing environmental issues both locally and globally. This commitment aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in combating plastic pollution in waterways.

The UAE-based non-profit Clean Rivers has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to tackle plastic pollution in Indonesia’s rivers. Over three years, this collaboration aims to remove 5,000 tonnes of plastic from six riverine areas through debris removal and preventative measures.

Clean Rivers will finance this initiative through contributions that are part of the US$20 million previously pledged by the UAE to support Indonesia’s efforts against plastic pollution. The agreement was signed at the Indonesia Sustainability Forum in Jakarta.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, remarked on the importance of global cooperation in tackling plastic waste entering oceans. "With millions of tonnes of plastic entering our oceans every year, it is vital that countries work together to tackle this problem on a global scale," she said.

UNDP will collaborate with various stakeholders, including NGOs, government entities, and local communities, to reduce plastic leakage into the sea. Their focus will be on enhancing river debris removal, strengthening integrated plastic waste management, and empowering communities through public awareness campaigns.

This partnership aligns with Clean Rivers’ mission to foster collaborative solutions that address plastic pollution at its source while building resilient systems to protect local environments and communities. The rivers benefiting from this funding include Kali Bekasi in West Java Province, Kali Mas in East Java Province, Porong in East Java, Bengawan Solo in Central Java, and Tukad Mati and Tukad Badung in Bali.

Nani Hendiarti, Deputy Coordinating Minister for Forestry and Environmental Management of Indonesia, acknowledged the significant strides made by Indonesia in tackling plastic pollution but noted ongoing challenges. "The partnership with Clean Rivers and the UAE provides vital support to our ongoing efforts," she stated.

Long-Term Commitment

The collaboration between Clean Rivers and UNDP is part of a broader Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UAE and Indonesia aimed at reducing plastic waste leakage into oceans. This marks the beginning of a long-term commitment by the UAE to address plastic pollution in Indonesian waterways.

Sujala Pant, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia, emphasised Indonesia's ambitious target to reduce marine debris by 70 percent by 2025. "Collaboration across various levels of decision-making is imperative," she noted.

"We believe that this alliance is an important step to curb the flow of plastic pollution into oceans and rivers while also raising awareness," Sujala added. This partnership aims to support sound policymaking and trigger behavioural change along the entire plastic value chain.

Empowering Local Communities

Deborah Backus, CEO of Clean Rivers, expressed optimism about the partnership's impact on reducing plastic pollution in Indonesian rivers. "By collaborating with local organisations and communities in Java and Bali," she said, "we aim to not only remove plastic waste but also create sustainable systems that prevent further pollution."

This initiative is part of a larger effort under an MoU signed in April 2024 between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE and Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs. It aligns with the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative which supports global development goals including environmental health.

The UAE's approach underscores its commitment to fostering sustainable growth worldwide through effective waste management practices. This partnership exemplifies how nations can work together towards a cleaner planet for future generations.

With inputs from WAM