ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, is a response to the call to action by the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to reduce food waste, encourage individual and social responsibility, and promote sustainable practices across the food supply chain.
Food waste is a global problem
If food waste was a country,
it would be 3rd largest
greenhouse gas emitter
Where an equivalent of 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted, which means 30-40% of
edible food ends up in landfills instead of plated around the world.
Tackling both Food Loss and Food Waste
Addressing both food loss and food waste is crucial for sustainable food systems, as it helps conserve resources, reduce environmental impact, and ensure more equitable access to food.
Food Loss
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12.3.1.a
Food loss occurs before food reaches consumers due to poor harvesting storage, and logistics.
Primary Production
Processing and manufacturing
Imports and Distribution
Food Waste
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12.3.1.b
Food waste happens at a consumer level, often due to overbuying, over catering, and stockpiling.
Retailers
Food service
Households
ne’ma operates on a federal level, supporting the entire nation and transcending specific sectors; it encompasses every facet of our society.
A Nationwide Movement
At the heart of the UAE’s commitment to a net zero agenda by 2050 lies ne’ma, the national custodian of food loss and waste reduction targets. ne’ma is a movement transforming society, instilling a profound understanding of the value of preserving our resources and the impact of wasteful practices.
The UAE is committed to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 12.3 targets by reducing food loss and waste by 50% by 2030 and beyond, leading the regional movement towards change through the collaborative efforts of ne’ma.
Ushering in a New Norm
Join us in redefining our culture, mindsets, and lifestyles, promoting sustainability,
and ensuring food security for all.
A nation where no food is wasted.
Be a custodian of change, usher in the new norm, and ensure a food - secure future for the UAE.
Act now on this groundbreaking goal towards zero waste by 2030.