UAE prioritises addressing environmental pollution in line with SDGs: Sheikh Theyab

Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chair of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, emphasised the UAE's commitment to tackling environmental challenges both locally and globally, aligned with progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in combating plastic pollution in waterways.

Sheikh Theyab made this statement following the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between UAE-based non-profit Clean Rivers and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), headquartered in Jakarta, to address plastic pollution in Indonesia’s rivers. Over the next three years, the partnership aims to remove 5,000 tonnes of plastic from six riverine areas through debris removal and preventative measures.

Clean Rivers will fund the project through contributions forming part of the $20 million previously pledged by the UAE to support Indonesia’s efforts in tackling plastic pollution. The agreement was signed during the Indonesia Sustainability Forum, held in Jakarta.

UNDP will use the funds to collaborate with stakeholders sharing a vision to reduce plastic leakage into the sea. These partners will include NGOs, government entities, and local communities, with a focus on enhancing river debris removal, strengthening integrated plastic waste management, and empowering communities through public awareness campaigns. This aligns with Clean Rivers’ mission to foster collaborative, community-driven solutions that address plastic pollution at its source, while building resilient systems to protect the environment and the well-being of local communities.

The rivers benefiting from this funding include Kali Bekasi in West Java Province, Kali Mas in East Java Province, Porong in East Java, Bengawan Solo in Central Java, and Tukad Mati and Tukad Badung in Bali. UNDP will work with local authorities, NGOs, and community-based initiatives to ensure that each waste management system is tailored to the specific demands of each river and its surrounding community.

Dr Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, commented, "With millions of tonnes of plastic entering our oceans every year, it is vital that countries work together to tackle this problem on a global scale. The UAE has been advocating for multilateral action to address climate challenges worldwide. We have taken a focused approach to the issue of waste entering global waterways and are committed to reducing and managing it effectively.

"Waste management is key to developing circular economies and fostering sustainable growth around the world, particularly in the global south. Indonesia is a close partner in the UAE’s fight against climate change, and we have undertaken several joint projects to foster a clean and green planet."

The partnership between Clean Rivers and UNDP aligns with the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UAE and Indonesia, which supports efforts to reduce plastic waste leakage into the oceans and marks the beginning of the UAE’s long-term commitment to addressing plastic pollution in Indonesia’s waterways. "We are dedicated to ensuring that this collaboration delivers lasting benefits for the people of Indonesia and its vital ecosystems," Dr. Al Dahak added.

Nani Hendiarti, Deputy Coordinating Minister for Forestry and Environmental Management of Indonesia, said, "Indonesia has made significant strides in tackling plastic pollution in recent years, but the challenges remain substantial. The partnership with Clean Rivers and the UAE provides vital support to our ongoing efforts. Together, we will protect our rivers and oceans, improve the lives of our communities, and preserve our environment for future generations."

Deborah Backus, CEO of Clean Rivers, stated, "This partnership with UNDP marks a pivotal step in our efforts to reduce plastic pollution in Indonesia’s rivers and protect our oceans. By collaborating with local organisations and communities in Java and Bali, we aim to not only remove plastic waste but also create sustainable systems that prevent further pollution and foster long-term environmental stewardship."

Sujala Pant, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Indonesia, noted, "Indonesia has set an ambitious target to reduce marine debris by as much as 70 percent by 2025, and it's only one year away. Therefore, collaboration across various levels of the decision-making process is imperative. UNDP has been working in this area globally, and we are committed to supporting the Government of Indonesia to accelerate actions to achieve this goal."

"We believe that this alliance is an important step to curb the flow of plastic pollution into oceans and rivers, while also raising awareness, supporting sound policymaking, and triggering behavioural change along the entire plastic value chain," Sujala added.

Clean Rivers was designated as the official implementation partner under an MoU signed in April 2024 between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE and the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs of Indonesia. This commitment aligns with the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Initiative, which emphasises global development goals and supports communities worldwide in areas including education, environmental health, food security, and humanitarian aid.

WAM