Blue Flag
Join the programme If you are interested in joining Blue Flag in the UAE, please contact Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (FEE National Operator). EWS-WWF Abu Dhabi office T: +971 2 634 7117 F: +971 2 634 1220 EWS-WWF Dubai office T: +971 4 354 9776 F: +971 4 354 9774 Email: info@ewswwf.ae ABOUT EWS-WWF Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) is a UAE environmental non-governmental organisation, established under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler s representative in the Western Region and Chairman of Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD). EWS works in association with WWF, one of the world s largest and most respected independent conservation organisations. EWS-WWF has been active in the UAE since 2001 and has initiated and implemented several conservation and education projects. EWS-WWF works both federally and within the Gulf region, with offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and is governed by a local board of directors. www.ewswwf.ae Twitter: @ews_wwf Facebook: @ews.wwf Youtube: WWFUAE Text EWS-WWF 2013. All rights reserved. Cover Photo: Tiffany Schultz /EWS-WWF A Programme of: Operated in the UAE by: Sponsored by: 2
3 Tiffany Schultz /EWS-WWF
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ABOUT BLUE FLAG Blue Flag is a prestigious, international programme that awards the sustainable development of beaches and marinas. It is recognised by locals and tourists alike from around the world as a symbol of coastal excellence. The programme works towards the sustainable development of coastal areas by requiring Blue Flag beaches and marinas to adopt a strict set of 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. One of Blue Flag s unique elements is its transparency of water bathing standards; as awarded venues must continue to comply with and meet its stringent standards on an annual basis through regular water quality testing. Blue Flags are awarded for one season only and renewed annually to coastal locations consistently meeting the expected standards. Instances of non-compliance results in Blue Flags being withdrawn: this has earned the programme its reputation as a trustworthy and transparent indicator of coastal excellence. To date, there are around 4000 Blue Flags flying in approximately 50 countries worldwide. In the UAE, EWS-WWF is the national coordinator for the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE): the international founder organisation of Blue Flag. EWS-WWF advises and assists beach and marina managers interested in receiving the Blue Flag, to achieve their goals. As increasing numbers of beaches and marinas play their part in creating a sustainable future for the UAE s coastline, EWS-WWF also continues to monitor compliance of those already in possession of the environmental accolade. The UAE joined the programme in 2010 and since then has been steadily increasing the number of awarded sites; demonstrating a clear commitment to furthering the country s environmental and sustainable future mandate. 5
CRITERIA FOR BEACHES Beaches applying to be awarded with the Blue Flag must adhere to 32 criteria under these four main areas: Environmental Education and Information Providing information about the Blue Flag and offering environmental education activities are some of the core elements required to fulfil this indicator. Environmental Management Appropriately managing the area by providing well-maintained facilities, from keeping the beach clean through to monitoring coral reefs in the vicinity and ensuring building and beach equipment is properly maintained, is a key requirement under this indicator. Water Quality Submitting the required number of water samples and ensuring they comply with the programme s standards and requirements for water quality analysis. Ensuring that the beach is fit for bathing is a critical element in being able to obtain the Blue Flag. Safety and Services Promoting safety is integral to Blue Flag. This indicator asks, among other criteria, that beaches ensure lifeguards are present and that first aid equipment and a safe supply of drinking water is available. *Full criteria for beaches is available to view at blueflag.org 6
7 Tiffany Schultz /EWS-WWF
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CRITERIA FOR MARINAS Marinas applying to be awarded with the Blue Flag must adhere to 24 criteria under these four main areas: Environmental Education and Information Providing information related to the marina and its surrounding ecosystem along with codes of conduct as well as offering environmental education activities is critical to fulfilling this indicator. Environmental Management Appropriately managing the area by providing facilities for the safe disposal of waste and sewage is key, as well as ensuring wellmaintained buildings, equipment, and toilet pumping/bilge pumping facilities. Water Quality Ensuring the water in the marina is visually clean without any evidence of pollution (oil, litter, sewage, etc) is one of the most important aspects to gaining the Blue Flag for marinas. Safety and Services Promoting safety is integral to Blue Flag. This indicator asks, among other criteria, that marinas have safety precaution information as well as lifesaving, first-aid and fire-fighting equipment present. Facilities for wheelchair users should also be available. *Full criteria for marinas is available to view at blueflag.org 9
APPLICATION PROCESS For a beach or marina to become Blue Flag certified, it is required not only to comply with the full criteria, but to follow these steps in order to submit an application. Working closely with EWS-WWF during the 10-month application process is critical in ensuring you gain feedback and advice on how well the criteria is being implemented and elements which need to be improved upon in order to gain the Blue Flag. Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Step 1 Share your interest in joining the Blue Flag programme in the UAE by using the EWS-WWF contact information in the front of this brochure. This can be done anytime throughout the year, however please note that the official submission period starts in July each year. Step 2 Set a mutually agreed date with EWS-WWF to carry out an initial site inspection of the venue you wish to gain Blue Flag certification for. At this inspection, you will be notified of the current status of your journey towards becoming Blue Flag certified and you will be issued with a document outlining the required criteria you will be expected to fulfill. Step 3 Continue to implement the criteria at your venue and update EWS-WWF frequently on your progress. Year 1 September Step 4 If you are applying as a beach, you will need to start sampling your water which takes 10 months. To ensure you have the required 20 samples by July the following year, you need to start sampling every 15 days from September in the first year. 10
Year 2 April Year 2 June Year 2 July Year 2 October Year 2 October Year 2 October Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Step 9 Step 10 Invite EWS-WWF for a second site inspection in April of the second year to check you are on track for fulfilling the criteria. EWS- WWF will highlight any areas in need of improvement and any areas you are already succeeding in. Invite EWS-WWF for final assessment of your site in June to ensure compliance of all 32 criteria for beaches or all 24 criteria for marinas. Upon passing the final assessment, the national jury will submit your application to the international jury. Tip! Don t forget to continue to implement the criteria during this period. EWS-WWF will announce the results of the international jury review in October. EWS-WWF will issue a press release announcing the new Blue Flags in the country. If you wish to announce your Blue Flag, it is crucial for you to share your press release for approval and agree to release it after the official announcement. You will be issued with a PR guide to help you draft your press release. If you are awarded a Blue Flag, to be able to hoist it, you are required to put up the signage board by December otherwise your Blue Flag may be revoked. 11
Join Blue Flag If you are a beach or marina operator seeking to gain Blue Flag accreditation and if you are looking to start the application process, please contact EWS-WWF: Email: info@ewswwf.ae Tel: +971 4 354 9776 For more information about Blue Flag in the UAE please visit www.ewswwf.ae * The full set of criteria can be found at www.blueflag.org EWS-WWF is the national coordinator of Blue Flag in the UAE and is actively working with increasing numbers of coastal sites to achieve Blue Flag status for more beaches and marinas in the country. TOP TIPS FOR BEACHES & MARINAS: Complete the application process on time by starting the water sampling process from September onwards. This will allow you enough time to gain the needed 20 samples by July. Make sure your water testing results comply with the water quality requirements as outlined by EWS-WWF under the Blue Flag criteria. Locations of Blue Flag Find your nearest Blue Flag certified beach or marina by downloading the Blue Flag App by holding your mobile device over this QR code or by visiting www.blueflag.org Check your beach or marina complies with the Blue Flag criteria every three months.