Boost food security, ensure safety, Sheikh Mohammed tells ministry

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Boost, food security, ensure safety, Sheikh Mohammed, ministry

Dubai - This came as he met a team from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) to discuss its post-Covid-19 strategy.

By Wam

Published: Sun 6 Sep 2020, 10:00 PM

Last updated: Mon 7 Sep 2020, 8:56 AM

The UAE was among the first countries in the region to prioritise environmental protection and climate change, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said.

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- HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) September 6, 2020

"Plans that protect ecosystems must be strengthened, and we must preserve our resources, reinforce biodiversity and achieve the highest levels of productivity," he said.
This came as he met a team from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) to discuss its post-Covid-19 strategy.
"Increasing food diversity, ensuring the safety of food products and achieving local self-sufficiency should be prioritised by the MOCCAE for the post-Covid-19 period," he said.
The UAE Vice-President said a green economy will be among the vital industries in the country. "We must expand our regional and international partnership networks based on a joint vision aimed at reducing the economic and social effects of climate change, preserving the planet's resources, and diversifying sources of energy."
He said Covid-19 has taught "everyone that countries share one fate and one future, and, therefore, cannot work alone to protect the planet".
Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the UAE has a wide variety of wildlife and marine life, and "numerous ecosystems". "Preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species are some of the country's top environmental priorities. Therefore, the ministry drafted a national biodiversity strategy and the 'UAE Smart Map of Natural Capital'."
Al Nuaimi explained that the marine environment is among the most important and richest natural systems on economic and environmental levels. "The ministry has accomplished many related achievements, including the launch of the National Climate Change Plan, which is the first of its kind in the region."
He also referred to a federal draft law and a national programme to counter the effects of climate change.
Air quality is also a priority for the UAE, "due to its health, economic and environmental effects". "The UAE began monitoring air quality in 2007 through 54 monitoring stations located around the country."