In a significant move to tackle the pressing issue of plastic waste leakage into the oceans, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) of the UAE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment of the Republic of Indonesia. The formal signing ceremony took place at The AVPN Global Conference 2024 in Abu Dhabi, with the presence of high-ranking officials including HE Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and HE Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

The MoU, signed by HE Mohammed Saeed Sultan Al Nuaimi, the Undersecretary of MOCCAE, and HE Nani Hendiarti, Deputy Coordinating Minister for Forestry and Environmental Management of Indonesia, aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in addressing the urgent environmental challenge of plastic waste leakage into the oceans around Indonesia.

The agreement builds on collaborative initiatives between the UAE and Indonesia, including the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) and the MBZ-JKW International Mangrove Research Center. These efforts underscore a commitment to deploying nature-based solutions to combat climate change challenges.

Clean Rivers, a global non-profit organization based in Abu Dhabi, was launched during the event and will serve as an official implementing partner of the MoU. The organization is dedicated to addressing the challenge of river plastic pollution and will play a crucial role in supporting the objectives of the agreement.

HE Mohammed Saeed Sultan Al Nuaimi emphasized the importance of cooperation between the UAE and Indonesia in tackling plastic pollution, stating that plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental threats with adverse impacts on marine ecosystems and human lives. He expressed confidence that the collaboration will yield positive outcomes in preserving the environment and nature.

Welcoming the MoU signing and the launch of Clean Rivers, Butti Almheiri, Clean Rivers Board Member, highlighted the organization's commitment to reducing plastic waste and achieving cleaner oceans. Clean Rivers will deliver transformative programs to tackle riverine plastic pollution in Indonesia, supported by funding of up to $20 million.

The MoU outlines areas of cooperation between the UAE and Indonesia, including capacity building, stakeholder awareness, and the design of economically sustainable waste management systems. It also facilitates the exchange of information, data, and best practices to reduce plastic pollution and expedite river clean-ups in Indonesia.

The launch of Clean Rivers' work marks a significant step towards managing plastic waste and driving behavioral change in communities alongside polluted waterways. The organization aims to support the socioeconomic development of these communities while addressing the long-term impacts of plastic pollution.