The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) inked a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in fields related to climate change and environment. In a ceremony held at FANR’s headquarters and attended by Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment and His Excellency Abdulla Nasser Al Suwaidi, FANR’s Chairman, the MoU was signed by His Excellency Sultan Alwan, Assistant Undersecretary of the Regions Sector at MOCCAE and Christer Viktorsson, Director-General of FANR.

His Excellency Sultan Alwan, stressed that signing the MoU comes in the framework of cooperation with various federal government entities in fields related to climate change and environment with a view to monitor the environment and foresee the future using latest technologies in practical, training and capacity building aspects. He indicated that cooperation also includes exchange of expertise and conducting joint research related to radioactive materials, as well as developing related legislations.

Christer Viktorsson, Director General of FANR, said “Since FANR’s establishment in 2009 our mandate has been clear: to protect the people and environment from nuclear and radiation hazards. Singing the MoU with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment marks a milestone that will strengthen the cooperation between the two Parties thereby enhancing the protection of the people and the environment in the UAE.”

According to the agreement, MOCCAE and FANR will strengthen cooperation in different scientific, training and vocational areas, in addition to exchanging expertise. It also entails boosting cooperation in research areas and preparing and developing legislations and regulations related to radioactive material in the environment.  It also covers future cooperation in the assessment of the rate and measurement of radioactive materials concentrations in natural resources.