Indonesia and UAE Join Forces to Combat Plastic Waste
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: In a significant stride towards environmental conservation, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have solidified their commitment to combat plastic waste leakage into Indonesian waters by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The MoU, a testament to the collaborative efforts between the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and the Emirati Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, was formalized in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, on Tuesday.
Nani Hendiarti, the deputy for environmental and forestry management at the Indonesian Maritime Affairs and Investment Coordinating Ministry, emphasized the significance of the agreement, underscoring its role as a pivotal milestone in Indonesia-UAE cooperation towards environmental stewardship.
“This MoU marks an important milestone of Indonesia-UAE cooperation in the reduction of plastic waste leakage into the ocean and reflects our shared commitment to environmental management,” stated Hendiarti in a released statement.
With Indonesia’s vast coastline and numerous islands, Hendiarti highlighted the nation’s proactive stance in addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution, which transcends borders and requires concerted global action.
Since 2018, Indonesia has been implementing a national action plan on marine waste, resulting in a notable reduction of plastic waste leakage by 42 percent. Hendiarti further disclosed the nation’s ambitious target to further decrease waste by 70 percent, emphasizing the multifaceted approach involving infrastructure improvement, technology utilization, and societal behavioral shifts.
The deputy minister stressed the indispensable role of UAE’s support in advancing eco-centric initiatives in Indonesia, affirming the mutual commitment towards realizing a plastic waste-free future for generations to come.
In a bid to bolster international collaboration, Indonesia extended an invitation to the UAE government to participate in the 10th World Water Forum, slated to be held from May 18 to 25 in Bali province.
Moreover, the governments of Indonesia and the UAE are gearing up for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mohamed bin Zayed – Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Center (MBZ-Joko Widodo IMRC) on May 19, 2024. This initiative signifies another significant stride towards collaborative climate actions, underlining the shared commitment of both nations towards environmental sustainability.
The signing of the MoU, which coincided with the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) Global Conference, underscores the proactive engagement of Indonesia and the UAE in addressing the global challenge of plastic pollution, setting a precedent for international cooperation in environmental conservation efforts.
