Dubai: Underprivileged families in Fujairah will receive fresh fish, thanks to an initiative by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Fujairah Charity Association.

The ministry signed a partnership agreement with the charity association in support of the nationwide Fish Fridge campaign, announced in 2017 as part of the ministry’s Year of Zayed initiatives.

Sultan Alwan, assistant undersecretary of the Regions Sector at MOCCAE, and Ali Bin Abad Al Abdouli, director-general of FCA, signed the agreement at the MOCCAE headquarters in Al Ruwayyah, Dubai, in the presence of senior representatives from both government entities.

Alwan said the ministry will liaise with fishermen’s associations to collect surplus fish as well as fish confiscated by the authorities concerned from the fish market every day.

“Authorised personnel will then hand over the fish to FCA to distribute it to disadvantaged families on the same day in accordance with health regulations as part of the Fish Fridge initiative. Apart from providing nutrient-rich food to those less fortunate, the scheme offers the beneficiaries an opportunity to earn an additional income through preparing ready-to-eat meals and supplying them to restaurants,” Alwan said.

Alwan added that the cooperation agreement aligns with the ministry’s strategy to promote social responsibility, charity and optimal utilisation of food.

“The Fish Fridge initiative seeks to build synergies with charitable institutions across the seven emirates, and our partnership with FCA is the first step in this regard. Our two organisations will form a joint committee to oversee the implementation of the agreement and coordinate regarding any new developments or requirements for charity work.”

Commenting on the agreement, Al Abdouli said: “The Fish Fridge initiative is a prime example of an effective food waste reduction campaign that can serve as a model for other food-related schemes. We will use the database of underprivileged families registered with us to distribute the fish received from the ministry.”