The Ministry of Environment and Water recently held a workshop on livestock facility inspection and audit to ensure the efficient implementation of existing laws and maintain biosecurity in the state. Representatives from Dubai Municipality, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah attended the session organized to build stronger national capacities and highlight audit and inspection requirements in line with the Ministry’s goal of preventing the spread of agricultural pests and infectious animal diseases.
H.E. Engineer Saif Mohammed Al-Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for External Audit sector, Ministry of Environment and Water, said the Ministry has set clear goals in accordance with globally accepted standards. Its objectives are also aligned with the UAE’s sustainable development agenda and initiatives focusing on the protection of natural and agricultural resources, animals, and fisheries. H.E. Al-Shara emphasized the need to abide by the laws and apply regulatory decisions for environmental protection.
The official also noted that the workshop falls within the Ministry’s objective of effectively building human capacities, especially those involved in ensuring the strict implementation of laws and regulatory decisions governing the livestock sector. H.E. Al-Shara assured that the development and implementation of policies and laws will be done in coordination and cooperation with relevant local organizations, adding that environmental protection as a priority of UAE Vision 2021 is a shared national duty.
During the workshop, field visits forming part of the mechanisms for implementation were highlighted with their corresponding inspection and audit forms. The Animal Health and Livestock Development also demonstrated how evaluation is being done to ensure compliance. Additionally, the Department introduced its regulatory decisions concerning the practice of veterinary medicine and corresponding technical conditions, therapeutic facilities, diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, veterinary warehouses, and animal production farms. The regulations also ensure animal welfare, especially the protection of endangered species.
Highlighting the significance of intensified livestock protection and development efforts, H.E. Al-Shara praised relevant local government authorities as the Ministry’s strategic partners in achieving environmental sustainability and attaining the objectives of UAE Vision 2021.
The Ministry of Environment and Water continuously assesses the efficient implementation of federal legislations on animal health in cooperation with the local authorities. The most notable legislations are Federal Law No. (16) of 2007 concerning Animal Welfare and Federal Law No. (10) of 2002, on regulating and controlling the international trade in the endangered species of Fauna and Flora. The Ministry also facilitates the review and assessment of key ministerial decisions concerning the requirements of biosecurity in animal production farms; rules regulating professions related to veterinary medicine and the technical and health conditions of veterinary diagnostic and therapeutic facilities.