By Bernama,
ABU DHABI : Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) – WWF has announced its acceptance as an associate member of the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE) to become the National Coordinator for Blue Flag Programme in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Blue Flag, started in 1987, is a voluntary eco-label acknowledged by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), awarded to over 3200 beaches and marinas in 37 countries, Emirates news agency (WAM) quoted the initiative’s international website as saying.
The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas through strict criteria dealing with recreational water quality to protect the public health, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety services. The programme includes information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators.
Commenting on this initiative, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of EWS-WWF said: “The UAE has a beautiful coastline, extending over 1000 km. The Blue Flag programme would support the protection of this asset by presenting a platform of good public governance in the form of a certification in order to improve coastal facilities that are litter-free and boast a high recreational water quality, in addition to adequate beach users’ safety services.”
This initiative coincides with the 12th National Environment Day whose theme for the year is ‘Towards Sustainable Development of our Coastline’. The Blue Flag programme is strengthened by this adopted theme for the year and by the many other decisive moves taken by the UAE Government and authorities. It is also consistent with the efforts to raise public awareness and participation in protecting coastal areas.
To facilitate the implementation of the programme, EWS-WWF will be organising a Blue Flag workshop involving key stakeholders and FEE representatives to announce the launch of the programme in the UAE.
A National Blue Flag Committee will be formed to play an advisory role and oversee that all criteria are fulfilled. A feasibility study and a review of criteria will be carried out in order to conduct a gap analysis.
EWS-WWF aims to initiate a pilot phase for at least one beach and/or marina to become a learning site for the rest of the country. All processes will be coordinated by EWS-WWF in collaboration with FEE and Blue Flag International.
All beaches and marinas seeking the Blue Flag certification will be subject to assessments and spot-checks from national, regional and international panels, co-ordinated by the FEE, a Denmark-based NGO.
“Protection of coastal habitats is a strategic mandate for EWS-WWF in the region,” added Al Mubarak.
“The Blue Flag programme will contribute to the efforts towards sustainable coastal development and will serve as an awareness tool to both beach operators and users on sustainability issues in the management of marine and coastal habitats.”
EWS-WWF is currently coordinating the assembly of a National Committee with a number of relevant stakeholders.