COP28: UAE community gardening initiatives promote sustainability and food self-sufficiency

Food security is a key issue that is given great attention in the UAE. The country has developed strategic plans and practical programmes to ensure its food security, and has mobilised the community to support these plans in order to achieve food self-sufficiency and promote the concept of sustainable food.

Agriculture is one of the most important ways to ensure that the UAE has enough food to feed its people. The UAE has been supporting agriculture for 50 years, since the country was founded. This was started by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed believed that agriculture was very important, and he made it a top priority.

This report sheds light on home gardening in the UAE, as well as the government initiatives that are helping to promote it.

The efforts of the relevant authorities, both locally and federally, have not been limited to supporting agriculture through its extensive projects across the country. They have also included encouraging community initiatives such as home gardening, which are considered to be sustainable initiatives that accelerate the achievement of food self-sufficiency.

The cultivation of a home garden or the conversion of available spaces in buildings into small production units can help to promote the concept of sustainability, both economically, socially, and environmentally. It can also support the broader sustainability ecosystem in the community.

These community initiatives aimed at promoting home gardening meet the objectives of the "Impact" pillar of the "National Sustainability Campaign" that was recently launched in conjunction with preparations for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be held from November 30 to December 12 this year in Dubai Expo.

The campaign aims to promote positive environmental behaviour and raise awareness of environmental sustainability issues, and to encourage community participation. The "Impact" pillar showcases the positive results and impact of UAE sustainability initiatives across different areas.

Supportive laws

The UAE has established a supportive legal and regulatory framework for agriculture and created government agencies to promote sustainable agriculture and food security. These efforts were strengthened by the launch of the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the establishment of the Emirates Council for Food Security, which aims to rapidly achieve food self-sufficiency, reduce the food gap, preserve soil, and optimize water use, especially groundwater.

The decision issued in July 2018 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on community agriculture, provides a regulatory framework for community and home gardening. It calls for the exploitation of residential areas, building roofs, and educational institutions to develop and expand agricultural activity and benefit from its effects to serve the community and educate it, while enhancing environmental benefits and increasing green spaces.

The decision focused on the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's role in promoting agriculture, including community farming, planting in educational institutions, homes, residential complexes, and government buildings, water conservation, seed provision, marketing, and regulation.

Smart solutions

The UAE has embraced pioneering home gardening initiatives, incorporating advanced smart solutions to support community agricultural projects. A notable example is the "Bustani" exhibition hosted at the Sustainable Villa in Masdar City, which showcases over 15 innovative solutions focusing on food production, water management, and waste recycling. These solutions include chemical-free, precision-irrigated home vegetable cultivation and smart technology integration in poultry farming.

Furthermore, the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, in collaboration with global research institutions, is developing innovative methods for agricultural production and solar-powered water desalination as part of a holistic sustainability system.