The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Reducing Plastic Waste Leakage to the Sea in Indonesia.
“The signing of the MOU is an important milestone of cooperation between Indonesia and the UAE on the Reduction of Plastic Waste Leakage to the Sea. This agreement represents a joint commitment to environmental management,” Deputy for Environment and Forestry Management at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Nani Hendiarti, said in a statement on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
The MOU was signed by Nani Hendiarti, while from UAE was Deputy Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Mohammed Saeed Sultan Alnuami. The signing took place in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Nani said Indonesia, with its extensive coastline and vast archipelago, recognizes the important challenges posed by plastic pollution, which is a transboundary problem.
She said that since implementing the national action on marine debris in 2018, Indonesia has succeeded in reducing plastic waste leakage by 42 percent from the targeted 70 percent.
“We are improving the infrastructure, leveraging the technology, and encouraging behavioral change across society,” Nani said, while noting that the support of the UEA is crucial in strengthening environmental initiatives.
The signing of the MoU, Nani added, further emphasizes Indonesia’s commitment with global support in calling for the reduction of leakage of plastic waste into the ocean.
A commitment to unite the business community, government, and NGOs in calling for a 60 percent reduction in plastic production and the ultimate goal of building a plastic-free future for future generations.
The signing took place on the sidelines of the Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN) Global Conference is taking place in Abu Dhabi on April 23-25, 2024 and is also attended by Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno.
On that occasion, the Deputy for Environment and Forestry Management extended an invitation to the UAE government to attend the 10th World Water Forum which will take place on May 18-25, 2024 in Bali.
As part of the World Water Forum activities, Nani said that the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mohamed Bin Zayed – Joko Widodo International Mangrove Research Centre (MBZ – Joko Widodo IMRC) is being prepared.
“The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for May 19, 2024. The MBZ-Joko Widodo IMRC will mark another important moment in collaborative efforts on climate action,” she concluded.
