DUBAI — Emirates Post is issuing a distinctive commemorative stamp to mark and promote 2020 as the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH), as designated by the United Nations. Part of a global campaign, this issuance aims to raise awareness about the significance of protecting plant health and its knock-on effect in alleviating poverty and food shortage as well as promoting environmental and economic wellbeing. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), up to 40% of food crops are lost due to plant pests and diseases annually, which leaves millions of people without enough food and seriously damages agriculture. Protecting plants from pests and diseases is more cost effective than dealing with full-blown plant health emergencies. The stamp is part of a worldwide campaign to educate and inform the public about preventing food damage and maintaining the safety, cleanliness, and health of plants. Abdulla Mohammed Al Ashram, Group CEO of Emirates Post Group Company, stressed the importance of agriculture in the UAE and the great efforts taken to achieve sustainability and enhance food security. Commenting on this special issuance, he said: “The UAE’s passion and vision for this sector was instilled by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan — may God rest his soul — and strongly focuses on agriculture and preserving plant resources. It is part of our national tradition and has been a fundamental pillar for achieving food security in the country. “The UAE has developed many strategies to invest in protecting the environment and plant health, including the National Food Security Strategy 2051 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, to improve food security and develop a comprehensive national system to enable sustainable food production through the use of modern technologies.”. He added: “Emirates Post is pleased to issue this commemorative stamp as part of our ongoing support for global campaigns of significance to the UAE and the region. The stamp will serve as a reminder of the role each and every one of us can play in protecting, preserving and sustaining our food system.” The initial run of the commemorative stamp comprises of 25,000 stamps along with 1,000 First Day Cover Sheets, available for sale at the Emirates Post Central Customer Happiness Centers and on Emirates Post’s dedicated web shop emiratespostshop.ae starting Aug. 20. — SG