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Beaches and marinas in the UAE could fly blue flags, an international symbol of clean beaches, by next year should they meet the designated criteria, officials have disclosed.
The blue flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to beaches and marinas after they pass tough criteria for water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and other services. Run by the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE), a Denmark-based non-profit organisation, the blue flag has been awarded to 3,450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries.
"In April 2011, hopefully, the first blue flag will be awarded to UAE beaches," said Lisa Perry, Conservation Programme Director at Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) WWF.
"The water quality at our beaches is a concern for many residents and tourists. With the blue flag people can be more confident that the water is safe for them and their children to swim in", she said, adding that they often receive calls regarding the quality of beaches.
It was last year that EWS-WWF was accepted by FEE as their National Coordinator for the Blue Flag Programme in the UAE. The initiative will make UAE beaches litter free and provide high recreational water quality, in addition to adequate beach users’ safety services, according to Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of EWS-WWF.
With around 25 beach managers from the various emirates at the workshop, interest in securing the award appears to be high. But it wouldn’t be easy.
"To be certified, a whole list of criteria needs to be fulfilled," Perry said Applicants are required to provide one year of water quality data, she added.
The Blue Flag award is a symbol of health, safety and environment quality.
It is based on compliance with 32 criteria covering environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, safety and services.
It is only awarded for one season at a time.
If criteria are not met through the season, award will be withdrawn.
Tough criteria The blue flag award is a symbol of health, safety and environment quality.
It is based on compliance with 32 criteria covering environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, safety and services.
It is only awarded for one season at a time.
If criteria are not met through the season, the award will be withdrawn.
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