The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment of the Republic of Indonesia, to support the country in reducing plastic waste leakage into the oceans.
The signing ceremony during The AVPN Global Conference 2024 in Abu Dhabi, attended by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi and Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, saw the formalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UAE and Indonesia. Signed by Mohammed Saeed Sultan Al Nuaimi and Nani Hendiarti, the MoU aims to enhance collaboration on nature-based solutions for climate change, focusing on initiatives like the Mangrove Alliance for Climate and the MBZ-JKW International Mangrove Research Center. It specifically addresses plastic waste leakage into Indonesian oceans. Additionally, the launch of Clean Rivers, a global non-profit combating river plastic pollution, was announced as an official implementing partner of the MoU.
Al Nuaimi expressed pride in the collaborative efforts between the UAE and Indonesia to combat plastic pollution, highlighting the progress made through initiatives like the Mangrove Alliance for Climate and the MBZ-JKW International Mangrove Research Center. He emphasized the significance of joint commitment to marine ecosystem conservation. Stressing the severity of plastic pollution's impact on the environment and people's lives, he underscored the importance of cooperation between the two nations in preserving nature. Al Nuaimi also voiced support for Clean Rivers, recognizing its vital role in addressing plastic waste leakage into rivers and oceans globally, particularly in Indonesia.
Butti Almheiri, Clean Rivers Board Member, celebrated the official launch of Clean Rivers and hailed the MoU signing as a commitment to reducing plastic waste and ensuring cleaner oceans. As the implementing partner, Clean Rivers aims to address riverine plastic pollution in Indonesia with transformative programs. Cooperation between the UAE and Indonesia will focus on capacity building, stakeholder awareness, and the development of sustainable waste systems. The MoU facilitates information exchange and river clean-up initiatives. Clean Rivers pledged up to $20 million to prevent 300,000 tonnes of plastic waste from entering the ocean annually in Indonesia, fostering circular economies and local innovation.
Clean Rivers will work in partnership with governments, local communities and private enterprises to drive comprehensive solutions to address the long- and short-term impacts of plastic pollution in rivers. This work will be undertaken with the specific objective of supporting the socioeconomic development of communities that live alongside some of the world’s most polluted waterways, such as in Indonesia.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
