Ne’ma Launches Nationwide Awareness Campaign To Reduce Food Loss And Waste In The UAE

The UAE is taking significant steps to address food sustainability with the launch of a national campaign by ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative. This campaign, titled "Valuing Our Roots," aims to raise awareness about reducing food waste and loss. It celebrates Emirati traditions while encouraging resource conservation, aligning with the UAE's commitment to environmental stewardship and preserving resources for future generations.

The campaign was launched in collaboration with ADQ and Tadweer Group. Key stakeholders from various sectors participated in the event, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Aldar, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, Emirates Food Bank, and Dubai Municipality. The event featured discussions and an exhibition showcasing innovative solutions focused on food sustainability.

Mariam Almheiri, Head of the Office of International Affairs at the Presidential Court and Chairwoman of the ne'ma Steering Committee, expressed that this initiative marks more than just a campaign launch. She stated, "Today marks the launch of more than just a campaign—it signals the start of a national movement to address food loss and waste across all communities in the UAE."

The "Valuing Our Roots" campaign supports the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051. This strategy aims to enhance national food security by reducing food waste. Almheiri highlighted that through this campaign, they aspire to create a sustainable food system that aligns with long-term objectives while balancing current needs with future resource preservation.

Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and ne’ma Steering Committee Secretary-General, emphasised the intergenerational dialogue fostered by this campaign. She noted its role in bringing together young and old to share insights on food's significance within their community. "This campaign is a vibrant dialogue that spans generations," she said.

Tadweer Group's Role in Sustainability

Ali Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of Tadweer Group, highlighted Tadweer's pivotal role since ne’ma's inception in 2022. He stated that Tadweer has been instrumental in supporting efforts to reduce food loss and waste through expertise in waste management, sustainability, and circular economy practices. "By joining hands to launch this nationwide awareness campaign," he commented.

The nationwide awareness campaign by ne’ma is central to its strategy of engaging diverse communities across the UAE. It aims to reduce food loss and waste by 50 percent by 2030 as part of its broader mandate. The initiative seeks to promote a circular economy while reflecting on values instilled by UAE forefathers regarding sensible resource stewardship.

An exhibition organised during the campaign launch spotlighted pioneering solutions impacting food ecosystems significantly. It covered essential topics such as reducing food waste, promoting sustainable consumption, and enhancing preservation practices. This comprehensive approach underscores ne’ma’s commitment to fostering meaningful change in how resources are valued within society.

As these efforts unfold across various sectors within the UAE community landscape—spanning governmental bodies like ministries alongside private entities—the focus remains steadfastly on cultivating responsible behaviours towards preserving resources for future generations without compromising present needs or traditions rooted deeply within Emirati culture today.

With inputs from WAM