National Committee for Environmental Sustainability holds first meeting in Abu Dhabi

The Ministry of Environment and Waters National Committee for Environmental Sustainability of the Emirates Green Development Council held its first meeting at the Ministrys Abu Dhabi headquarters to discuss the committees work procedures as well as all key programs and initiatives. The meeting was led by Her Excellency Eng. Mariam Mohammed Hareb, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Water Resources and Nature Conservation, with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Energy, the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology, and Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi.

The attendees examined the progress of the UAE Green Development Strategy launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in 2012 under the slogan Green Economy for Sustainable Development. The discussion also included the initiatives of the National Committee for Environmental Sustainability, including the National Natural Capital and Resilience which aims to examine the states natural assets and environment-related services to ensure the sustainable use of its biological diversity and natural resources as well as to set standards for minimizing climate change risks.

Additionally, the meeting discussed the National Environmental Goods and Science Program launched to support the countrys goods and environmental services and ensure that they are aligned with the principles for sustainable use of natural resources. The program also identifies the potentials of the local economys environmental goods and services by generating new and sustainable investment opportunities.

The National Committee of Environmental Sustainability was formed pursuant to Ministerial Decision No. (542) of 2015 and is one of five committees under the Emirates Green Development Council. The four other committees are the National Committee on Competitive Knowledge, the National Committee on Social Development and Quality of Life, The National Committee of Clean Energy and Climate Action, and The National Committee on Green Life. The National Committee of Environmental Sustainability is tasked to prepare the schedules of initiatives and all related activities, in addition to preparing the executive programs and detailed plans to achieve the UAE Green Development Strategy.