UNEP West Asia’s Sustainable Ramadan campaign helps reduce food waste

UNEP West Asia’s Sustainable Ramadan campaign helps reduce food waste

Dubai, UAE: The United Nations Environment Program’s Regional Office for West Asia recently launched Sustainable Ramadan campaign in the United Arab Emirates to raise awareness on food waste and trigger behavioral change, as the country progresses on its journey towards UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategy.

During Ramadan, 25-50 percent of the food prepared in the region is wasted; this reaches 40 percent in the UAE according to the State of Food Waste in West Asia.

The same report has estimated that around 34 percent of the food served is wasted in the region, with a range from 100 to 150kg/cap of food waste occurring at the household stage, compared to 74 kgs/cap globally.

Last month, the United Nations Environment Program’s Regional Office for West Asia (UNEP ROWA) has launched a campaign under the title of Sustainable Ramadan to raise awareness on food waste and trigger behavioral change.

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, the month to practice self-discipline and empathy for the less fortunate. However, this month can unintentionally lead to food waste. This newly campaign launched under the slogan “Half the Food Waste, Double the Blessings” that will run through the holy month, will urge and help people and