His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the "Plant the Emirates" national programme during a recent UAE Cabinet meeting at Al Marmoom.
The initiative aims to revitalize the agricultural sector in alignment with the UAE’s vision for sustainable food security.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the programme's role in honoring the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, promoting agricultural education across schools and homes.
“Our goal is to embed a culture of agriculture in every school, every home, and in the hearts of our future generations,”
he stated.
The initiative includes the establishment of the National Agriculture Centre, designed to enhance productivity and reduce agricultural waste while supporting local farmers. Over the next five years, the Centre aims to increase the number of productive farms by 20% and organic farms by 25%.
In addition to agricultural efforts, the Cabinet addressed environmental initiatives, approving the Biodiversity Sites Project that identifies key biodiversity areas in the UAE. This project aims to protect and enhance the country’s natural habitats, raising the percentage of protected areas significantly.
The meeting also highlighted the UAE's commitment to international cooperation through its accession to the Antarctic Treaty and the Arctic Council as an observer. Furthermore, several economic agreements, including the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Mauritius, were ratified to bolster trade and investment.
With initiatives like "Plant the Emirates," the UAE continues to focus on sustainable practices, fostering community engagement in agricultural development, and securing a greener future for generations to come.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
