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Two years ago, the UAE was the first to launch the Blue Flag programme in the region. Today, it has spread to 12 different beaches and marinas across three emirates. Lorraine Bangera reports
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he allure of turquoise waters and white sandy shorelines has made the beaches along the UAE coast stand out as a major pull for tourism. When it comes to the longevity of its pristine status, there was a distinct lack of long term preservation planning. The Emirates Wildlife Society –WWF Blue Flag programme has turned this around by concretising sustainability plans across 12 difference beaches in the UAE. The esteemed international award guarantees tourists and residents beaches and marinas are clean and accessible, meeting ecological standards directed towards sustainable development. To achieve the label, a beach or marina has to fulfil many criteria, which include achieving the highest quality in
April 2013
water, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety, and other services. The Blue Flag programme is owned by the non-governmental and non-profit organisation, Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Launched in the UAE around two years ago with its pilot project, Abu Dhabi Corniche beach, the project has spread to 11 other beaches directly influencing the public, decision makers and tourism operators. A symbol of coastal excellence for over 25 years, it is an important step towards spreading sustainability to the marinas and beaches around the Gulf, while ensuring the protection of these natural sites for people and wildlife.
Starting point The concept of the Blue Flag was incepted in the year 1985, when French coastal municipalities were awarded with the first Blue Flag for abiding by the sewage treatment and bathing water quality criteria. However it was in 1987 during the European Year of the Environment, when the programme was officially launched after the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (FEEE) presented it to the European Commission. Soon the sewage treatment and bathing water quality were not the only criteria for acquiring the label, environmental management, such as waste management and coastal planning and protection were