UAE and Indonesia collaborate to minimize waste pollution in oceans and rivers – Sustainability efforts

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment of the Republic of Indonesia have joined forces to combat plastic waste leakage into the oceans. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place at The AVPN Global Conference 2024 in Abu Dhabi, with high-ranking officials from both countries in attendance.

The MoU, signed by representatives from MOCCAE and the Indonesian Ministry, aims to build on existing collaborative efforts to address climate change challenges through nature-based solutions. Specifically, the agreement focuses on tackling the urgent environmental issue of plastic waste leakage into the oceans surrounding Indonesia.

During the event, a new global non-profit organization called Clean Rivers was launched in Abu Dhabi. This organization, dedicated to addressing river plastic pollution, will serve as an official implementing partner of the MoU between the UAE and Indonesia.

Mohammed Saeed Sultan Al Nuaimi, Under-Secretary of MOCCAE, expressed pride in the collaborative spirit demonstrated by both countries in overcoming the challenge of plastic pollution. He highlighted the progress made through initiatives like the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) and the MBZ-JKW International Mangrove Research Center, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts to preserve marine ecosystems.

Al Nuaimi stressed the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on the environment and people’s lives, underscoring the need for continued cooperation between the UAE and Indonesia to address this pressing issue. He also voiced support for Clean Rivers, noting its role in global efforts to combat plastic waste leakage into rivers and oceans.

Butti Almheiri, Clean Rivers Board Member, commended the signing of the MoU and the launch of Clean Rivers as a commitment to reducing plastic waste and achieving cleaner oceans. As the implementing partner of the agreement, Clean Rivers will lead efforts to tackle riverine plastic pollution in Indonesia and beyond.

The collaboration between the UAE and Indonesia under the MoU will encompass various areas such as capacity building, stakeholder awareness, and the development of sustainable waste systems. The exchange of information and best practices will focus on reducing plastic pollution in the ocean and accelerating river clean-up efforts in Indonesia.

Clean Rivers has pledged up to $20 million to initiatives in Indonesia aimed at preventing 300,000 tonnes of plastic waste from entering the ocean annually. The organization will work with governments, communities, and businesses to implement comprehensive solutions for addressing plastic pollution in rivers, with a focus on supporting the socioeconomic development of affected communities.

Overall, the signing of the MoU and the launch of Clean Rivers mark a significant step towards combatting plastic waste leakage into the oceans, with the UAE and Indonesia leading the way in environmental conservation and sustainability efforts.