Blue Flag

The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to beaches and marinas. The programme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a non-profit, non-governmental organisation with member organizations in 55 countries.

Currently, the programme covers 3,450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean. Abu Dhabi Corniche beach, Yas Marina and Al Bandar Marina are the first three coastal areas in the UAE to be awarded the Blue Flag (June 2011).

Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and other services.

The Blue Flag Programme also includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators.

EWS-WWF is the National Coordinator of the Blue Flag programme in the UAE.

OBJECTIVES

Establishment of Blue flag in the UAE involves the following stages:

• Feasibility Study of the Blue Flag programme for the UAE Carried out winter 2009
• Establishing a National Committee comprising of relevant authorities and stakeholders First National Committee meeting was held 9 March 2010
• A Blue Flag National Workshop for all stakeholders held on 5 April 2010
• Revision of criteria (to identify any necessary modifications to the criteria)
• National level implementation process.
• The National Coordinator (EWS-WWF) receives applications from willing beaches and marinas and supports them to qualify for the Blue Flag award.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Following the successful completion of the Blue Flag Pilot phase in 2011, three coastal areas in the UAE are now the proud owners of the Blue Flag. Abu Dhabi Corniche beach is the first beach in the country to receive the Blue Flag as well as Yas and Al Bandar Marinas acting as spearheads of the programme in the UAE.

As a result, beach and marina management are encouraged to apply for Blue Flag status, potentially resulting in more internationally recognised symbols of excellence in water quality for the UAE.

The National Committee and National Workshop officially launched Blue Flag in March-April 2010 in the UAE; this created great interest from the public as well as generated significant interest from local stakeholders, beach managers and marina managers.

FUTURE PLANS

2011 will concentrate on encouraging further stakeholders to apply for the Blue Flag while supporting and advising them on how to meet the mandatory criteria and obtain the prestigious Blue Flag for their beach or marina.