The meeting kicked off by presenting a video on the National Ecotourism Project "Natural Treasures in the UAE" launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment last July as part of its strategy to achieve sustainability of the environmental ecosystem and in line with the directives of the wise leadership to boost the UAE's competitiveness globally, especially in eco-tourism.

The meeting discussed the preparations for what to be presented during the annual meetings of the UAE Government 2018 which will be held on the 3rd and 4th of October. The meeting also discussed the latest developments in the National Climate Adaptation Program, which aims to make the UAE one of the most prepared countries to face the consequences of climate change, particularly the priorities of adaptation to climate change in the energy and infrastructure sectors. The council also discussed the ministerial draft resolution on the use of fuel alternatives from waste treatment operations in cement factories and other industries.

The meeting’s agenda also included reviewing the phases and mechanisms for preparing the national strategy for the integrated management of chemicals, which was launched during the first session of the UAE government annual meetings. Council members emphasized on the importance of Cabinet Resolution No. 31 of 2018 on community agriculture and the Cabinet Resolution No. 18 of 2018 on the cultivation of local plants and conservation of nature.

His Excellency Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi said: “The Council, through these regular meetings, aspires to find solutions to the crucial environmental challenges faced by the UAE while maintaining economic growth and protecting cultural and civilizational heritage. It also aims to develop and implement a comprehensive and ambitious plan that will serve as a regional benchmark in dealing with climate change and the environment.”

At the end of the meeting, council members were briefed on the latest developments in the carbon reduction strategy by the Ministry of Energy and Industry.