United Nations – A new report by the UN Environment Program (UNEP) showed on Monday that over a third of the food served in the West Asian region is wasted.

UNEP’s findings are based on the analysis it conducted in 12 countries and territories of the region — Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

“Food waste in West Asia is alarming as it represents an estimated 34% of the total food served,” the report said.

It explained that unique features of the region’s culture create substantial challenges related to food waste.