UAE And Indonesia Forge Partnership To Tackle Plastic Waste In Oceans
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) of the UAE has embarked on a pivotal partnership with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment of the Republic of Indonesia, aiming to mitigate the issue of plastic waste in the oceans. This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during The AVPN Global Conference 2024 in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony was graced by notable figures including Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, and Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.
The agreement, inked by Mohammed Saeed Sultan Al Nuaimi, Under-Secretary of MOCCAE, and Nani Hendiarti, Deputy Coordinating Minister for Forestry and Environmental Management from Indonesia, aims to leverage nature-based solutions to tackle climate change and plastic pollution challenges. This initiative builds upon existing collaborations such as the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) and the MBZ-JKW International Mangrove Research Center, setting a precedent for future environmental conservation efforts.
Simultaneously, the launch of Clean Rivers, a global non-profit organization based in Abu Dhabi, was announced. Positioned as an official implementing partner of the MoU, Clean Rivers is dedicated to combating river plastic pollution, thereby supporting the overarching goal of this UAE-Indonesia partnership.
Al Nuaimi expressed optimism about this collaboration, highlighting the significant progress both nations have made in deploying nature-based solutions for environmental challenges. He emphasized the critical threat posed by plastic pollution to marine ecosystems and human life, underscoring the importance of UAE-Indonesia cooperation in preserving natural habitats.
Butti Almheiri, a board member of Clean Rivers, echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in the MoU's signing and Clean Rivers' official launch. He outlined the organization's commitment to reducing plastic waste and achieving cleaner oceans through transformative programs aimed at tackling riverine plastic pollution in Indonesia.
The partnership between the UAE and Indonesia will focus on several key areas including capacity building, stakeholder awareness enhancement, and the development of sustainable circular waste systems. It also aims to facilitate an exchange of information and best practices to reduce plastic pollution influx into oceans and expedite river clean-ups in Indonesia.
Clean Rivers has pledged up to $20 million towards initiatives in Indonesia that aim to prevent 300,000 tonnes of plastic waste from entering the ocean annually. By fostering collaboration with governments, local communities, and private enterprises, Clean Rivers seeks to address both immediate and long-term impacts of plastic pollution on riverine ecosystems. This initiative is also geared towards supporting the socioeconomic development of communities residing near some of the world’s most polluted waterways.
This partnership marks a significant step towards addressing global environmental challenges through collaborative efforts. By focusing on nature-based solutions and circular economies, the UAE and Indonesia demonstrate a shared commitment to preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.
With inputs from WAM
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