Food security and zero waste are key themes for both the UAE Governmental focus and for the upcoming COP28 Summit in Dubai. Estonia stands as a consistent advocate for environmental stewardship and climate action. This dedication has set bold targets and charts a course toward a low-carbon society. Through efforts and alignment across sectors, Estonia is steadfast in the commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Taste Estonia, the Food and Beverage sector platform brand of Enterprise Estonia which supports the Estonian manufacturers growth in global markets, will be showcasing innovative Estonian technology and food producers at the Blue Zone Pavilion for the upcoming COP28 meeting in Dubai, with a full schedule of events on December 10th marking ‘Food, Agriculture and Water Day’ onsite.
Situated at Blue Zone Pavilion OA13-G2 and supported by a high-level delegation, including Kaja Kallas, the Prime Minister of Estonia, Estonia’s contribution to the UAE’s efforts to cut food loss and waste by 50 per cent by 2030, with the introduction of the “Ne’ma Food Loss and Waste Reduction Roadmap”, are evident. Recent positive collaborations have seen Estonian companies in the food security, waste and food and beverage sector making great headway in the UAE. Estonia boasts the prestige of having one of the ‘cleanest food in the world’ according to the UN Food and Agriculture organisation, and this, alongside the technology capabilities and product development coming from the country, align perfectly with the aims of the region in combating both food security and food waste challenges and master climate change initiatives.
Join Enterprise Estonia at COP28 in 2023 to learn more about the unique and progressive aims of these companies driving positive change on a global scale and leading the path towards a greener and cleaner future for all.
Featured initiatives include those from Fibenol – an Estonian company that
implements cutting-edge technology to produce bio-based raw materials like lignin, wood sugars, and specialty cellulose from woody biomass. Fibenol’s innovative fractionation process converts more than 90% of woody biomass into high-value materials with minimal environmental impact. These sustainable bio-based materials can be used as replacements for fossil-based chemicals to produce cosmetics, plastics, construction materials, and many other products. Fibenol is pioneering groundbreaking solutions to enable industries to transition away from fossil resources and move towards a more sustainable future.
Providing tastings and on-site F&B is Valgerand restaurant. After a hugely successful EXPO 2020 and presence at Gulfood 2023, Taste Estonia is going from strength to strength in the region educating the country on clean and sustainable produce. Excitingly, a selection of this healthy, natural, and organic produce is now available on UAE shores, and Valgerand Restaurant, now in its 8th successful month of operation in Abu Dhabi and recent winner of Favorite Fusion Restaurant” in the “FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi 2023” and available to taste and try the pure and healthy Nordic cuisine at the Blue Pavilion during COP28
His Excellency Jaan Reinhold – Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the United Arab Emirates says “Rooted in a culture of innovation, the Estonian state embraces an adaptive mindset. The vibrant startup ecosystem stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit that thrives in both private and public sectors. There is an obvious alignment between the country of Estonia and the climate goals we are seeing implemented in the GCC by the forward-thinking federal level initiatives being proposed
and actioned. It is an honour to be having this discussion in the UAE at COP28, to complement the ongoing positive relationship between our countries in the agriculture, innovation and food security sectors as well as food and beverage”.
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10th December 2023 – Food, Agriculture and Water Day
Highlights: (FULL SCHEDULE ATTACHED)
Blue Zone Pavilion OA13-G2
Hosted by Estonian University of Life Sciences, the pop-up exhibition “Climate-Smart Agriculture: Driver of Circular Bioeconomy” focuses on providing climate-friendly, science-based solutions in agriculture and the bioeconomy value chain, starting from soil and plant health and ending with precision farming, industrial waste valorisation, and the development of novel foods. The implementation of these highlighted solutions brings producers closer to achieving the goals outlined in the EU Farm to Fork and other climate strategies.
A panel discussion on Climate Resilient Agriculture – Is the Future of Food Organic? held by Estonian University of Life Sciences follows and explores how ensuring food security sustainably is the challenge of today and tomorrow. Organic farming stands out as one of the best-known environmental-friendly approaches. In Estonia, 23% of agricultural land is managed organically, ranking the country third globally in this regard. How was this achievement reached? What lessons have been learned and what are the paths forward?
Food and Wood: Towards Zero-Waste will explore sustainable solutions for food and wood production side streams are imperative. The discussion will revolve around utilising various fractions and their bioactive components from plant-based production by-products, versus advancing thermochemical valorisation and biorefining technologies for second and third-generation biochemical production from lignocellulosic biomass. Could this be the key to a future green economy?
