The Office of Food and Water Security strengthens its cooperation with the “Islamic Development” to develop the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture

The UAE government has strengthened its cooperation with the Islamic Development Bank regarding the development of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture by renewing the agreement between the two parties until 2024, as the agreement affirms the importance of investment in research and development in the field of food security by enhancing research opportunities in the field of Saline agriculture in marginal environments with limited human resources.

The renewal of the agreement came during a virtual event held today in the presence of His Excellency Maryam Bint Muhammad Saeed Hareb Al Muhairi, Minister of State for Food and Water Security, Dr. Bandar bin Muhammad Hamza Hajjar, President of the Islamic Development Bank, and a number of officials from both sides.

The signing of the agreement provides for the extension of the validity of the joint cooperation in managing and operating the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture in the UAE for an additional five years.

The cooperation includes developing an action plan and performance indicators that elevate the center to be a platform for excellence in saline agricultural research in marginal environments and enhance the utilization of biodiversity to serve food security, exchange experiences and insights on the center’s performance, design its work plan to enhance its role as an advanced center for research, experiments, and capacity building that serve the region and the countries that suffer From marginal environments and enriching innovation processes in the world.

For her part, Her Excellency Maryam Al Muhairi said that strengthening the extended strategic partnership with the Islamic Development Bank over more than two decades is vital for the development of the International Center for Local Agriculture because of its great role in supporting the scientific research system in the food sector and finding solutions to the challenges of the UAE. And the various global challenges around food production and management in marginal environments that suffer from limited water resources and fertile soil, especially at the present time when the UAE seeks to enhance its capacity in the field of food technology and improve the rate of return for technology-enabled production by 30% next year.

Her Excellency added, “We are committed to working with all concerned parties to achieve the strategic visions of wise leadership and commitment to the sustainable development goals. We value the partnership with the Islamic Development Bank and we are keen to provide support to the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture for its sustainable solutions that contribute to raising agricultural and food productivity and enhancing the efficiency of water consumption in the country and the world.” The renewal of this agreement reflects the qualitative addition of such a partnership, which will certainly contribute to supporting the center’s endeavors to develop advanced and innovative technologies through which it contributes to strengthening the food security system in the UAE and the global food system.

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Bandar bin Muhammad Hamza Hajjar affirmed the Islamic Development Bank’s pride in the unique and distinguished relationship with the UAE government that has extended since the bank’s establishment.

He said, “We are very proud of the unique relationship extending over many decades between the Islamic Development Bank and the government of the United Arab Emirates, which resulted in the establishment of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, and we will, God willing, continue it throughout our development journey.”

The agreement recommends the continuation of cooperation by continuing to provide financial support for the center’s budget and activities, which finance the implementation of programs, projects, research and capacity building programs, in addition to covering logistical expenses to support the center’s research and scientific activities for scientists and researchers.

The agreement also stipulates the importance of achieving the financial sustainability of the center by mobilizing resources to support activities, in addition to developing action plans and performance indicators to improve the center’s outputs.

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture implements research and development programs aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and its sustainability in saline and marginal environments. The center also contributes to achieving sustainable development goals by working on developing technologies that include the use of conventional and non-conventional water, including saline water, treated wastewater, industrial water and wastewater. Agricultural, seawater, water and land management techniques, remote sensing and climate change adaptation modeling.