Dubai: The Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA) has unveiled details of the Dubai Food Security Strategy 2030, approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The strategy aims to ensure the availability of sufficient and safe food for all Dubai residents, supporting the objectives of the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 and strengthening the UAE’s position in the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) and the Resilient Food Systems Index (RFSI).
It is built around five pillars: food availability, affordability, quality and safety, sustainability and resilience, and industry empowerment.
His Excellency Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director General of the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA), said: “The Dubai Food Security Strategy 2030 is founded on a clear vision to position Dubai as a global leader in sustainable food security, supported by advanced technologies and resilient supply chains. This strategy will contribute to boosting local production, reducing food waste, and ensuring the availability and affordability of healthy food. We have set five strategic initiatives to achieve these goals, empowering the agriculture and food industries and advancing local markets in partnership with stakeholders across the ecosystem, thereby establishing a resilient and sustainable food security framework for Dubai.”
DECCA’s Food Security Department will oversee the implementation of the initiatives in coordination and partnership with relevant stakeholders from local and federal government entities and the private sector.
The first initiative focuses on supporting sustainable local agricultural production by fostering the growth of the agriculture and food production industry, optimising the use of resources, enhancing the sector’s competitiveness and promoting sustainable practices. Key projects include expanding fisheries, developing the livestock sector and establishing cooperatives for small-scale farmers.
The second initiative aims to strengthen resilient food supply chains. A range of strategic projects will help create an efficient, agile and responsive food supply system capable of meeting evolving demand, adapting to market conditions and responding effectively to emergencies. Flagship projects will focus on diversifying food import destinations and partnering with importers of strategic food commodities.
The third initiative focuses on encouraging healthy and sustainable food consumption by educating consumers about responsible consumption and healthy, sustainable diets, while reducing food loss and waste. It includes four strategic projects, most notably a comprehensive programme to reduce food waste and a study of food consumption patterns.
The fourth initiative seeks to enhance governance, regulation and economic support for integrated food systems, while strengthening the sector’s ability to attract sustainable investment. It encompasses three strategic projects, including enhancements to the Food Security Platform and an Investor Information Platform dedicated to the AgriTech industry.
The fifth initiative is dedicated to creating a food ecosystem capable of adapting to market fluctuations through advanced, partnership-driven infrastructure that responds effectively to market demands and consumer needs. It comprises three strategic projects, including international cooperation in research and development.
Highlighting the pillars of the Dubai Food Security Strategy 2030 will help raise public awareness of food security as an integrated concept linked to the stability and sustainability of food supply chains. It will also reinforce understanding of the importance of resilient food systems in mitigating the impact of regional and global challenges, climate change, evolving food consumption patterns and fluctuations in global markets.
Source: Emirates 24|7