"Zero Waste: Food for Thought" was the topic of a panel discussion organised by the Emirates Environmental Group, EEG, where experts highlighted the importance of sustainable sourcing, production and consumption of food.
DUBAI, (Pakistan Point News - 27th Jun, 2018) "Zero Waste: Food for Thought" was the topic of a panel discussion organised by the Emirates Environmental Group, EEG, where experts highlighted the importance of sustainable sourcing, production and consumption of food.
The panelists shared unique best practices and challenges within wide-ranging disciplines in promoting sustainability along the food value chain, from farm to fork. As a partner of the 10YFP Sustainable Food Systems Programme of UNEP, EEG hosted the impactful discussion to strengthen the information platform on sustainable food systems for the open conversation and knowledge sharing amongst producers, consumers and other key stakeholders linked to the food industry.
"It is imperative for EEG, as a civil society organisation to facilitate the connection between the food and agriculture sector with science, media and education," said Habiba Mara’ashi, Chairperson of the EEG and President and CEO of Arabia CSR Network. She added, "Our organisation encourages and supports inclusive multi-stakeholder dialogue to help inform interconnected policy-making towards sustainable food systems at local, regional and international levels".
Abdul Aziz Al Midfa, Vice Chair of EEG, moderated the discussion wherein significant questions were raised.
Naji Radhi, Waste Management and Treatment Expert in Dubai Municipality, DM, emphasised on priority activities and challenges in the reduction of food loss and organic waste, facing the planet.
Noura Al Shamsi, Head of Permits and Applied Nutrition Section, Food Safety Department in DM, highlighted the role of the UAE in achieving the global Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture. She raised awareness about the UAE Food Bank initiative, which was established in 2017, under the umbrella of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.
Fatima Ahmad Al Harmoudi, Senior Public Awareness Officer at the Centre of Waste Management Abu Dhabi, Tadweer, shared the awareness campaigns conducted by the centre to educate the youth on the existing pressure on food resources and change the well-established habits that elevate the irresponsible consumption of food.
Expert panelists from the supermarket retail, hospitality and catering services shared their best practices in line with the promotion of sustainable food systems.
