Blue Flag is flying high in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Corniche is the first beach in the GCC to get a Blue Flag status. It complies with strict criteria laid down by the Foundation for Environmental Education, which awards the Blue Flag

It is easily one of the city's best-known landmarks, which stretches close to 6km. A hot spot for residents and visitors alike, the Abu Dhabi Corniche with its sandy beaches, recreational areas, refreshment spots and cycling and pedestrian paths are a magnet for people looking for a place to relax after a hard day's work or on weekends.

This June, the Corniche Beach acquired a prestigious distinction. It was accorded the status of a Blue Flag beach, the first city in the GCC to receive this coveted award.

The Blue Flag is a certification awarded by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches and marinas that meet its stringent standards. A non-profit, non-governmental body consisting of 65 organisations in 60 member countries in Europe, Africa, Oceania, Asia, North America and South America, the Blue Flag is a voluntary organisation that has certified around 3,650 beaches and marinas in 44 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean.

"This global achievement highlights Abu Dhabi's track record of accomplishments towards promoting aesthetic and environmental values in alignment with the 2030 strategy and plans of the government of Abu Dhabi,'' says Khalifa Al Mazroui, General Manager of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City (ADM), who has been integral in spearheading the expansion of the city as well as implementing its modernisation facilities.

 

The Blue Flag programme promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine areas. It encourages local authorities and beach operators to achieve high standards in the four categories: water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. Over the years, the Blue Flag has become a highly respected and recognised eco-label working platform bringing together tourism and environmental sectors at the local, national and regional levels.

Moaz Sawaf, Project Manager, Conservation & Education of the EWS-WWF, which was appointed by the FEE as the national coordinator in the UAE for the Blue Flag Programme, is ecstatic about the programme.
"Ever since I heard of it, I have loved the Blue Flag programme," he says. "It will act as a tool to protect the UAE coastline. It will also be instrumental in raising environmental awareness while guaranteeing that the beach users can safely bathe in the waters. Think about it, if beach lovers had to choose between a Blue Flag certified beach and an ordinary one, they would always opt for the former."

Making the mark

The UAE officially embarked on the Blue Flag programme in 2010 to preserve its majestic coastline of over 700km. The primary requirement for obtaining a Blue Flag is to run a pilot phase for a year. "The NGO that represents FEE manages the commissioning of this pilot phase," says Sawaf.

The pilot phase commenced with a feasibility study of the Blue Flag programme in 2009. Then a National Committee was established, comprising relevant authorities and stakeholders. A Blue Flag National Workshop for stakeholders was held to discuss implementing the programme on a national level. Finally, the National Coordinator (EWS-WWF) invited applications from authorities managing beaches and marinas who were keen to participate in the programme. Once the list was drawn, the national coordinator offered all support to the beaches to help them qualify for the Blue Flag award. The reports were then sent to the International Committee for final validation.

The Blue Flag is only awarded to beaches that comply with 32 strict criteria; in the case of Marinas, there are 24. The parameters that are considered include water quality, public safety and services, environmental management, information and education.

Water quality is the most important of the criteria where water samples have to be tested every 28 days for a year.

Safety and services include appointment of trained life guards, first-aid measures, wheel chair accessibility etc. Facilities such as toilets, restrooms and food outlets too are strictly monitored.

Environmental Management includes forming a strong committee to manage the natural vegetation on the beach such as algae formation and coral reefs.

Under the Environmental Education and Information criteria, parameters include displaying ample information about water quality, local eco-systems and educational initiatives for the public, among others.

The First National Blue Flag Workshop was held in Al Raha Beach last April. Educational activities were conducted throughout the year at the Corniche, including programmes for schoolchildren to raise awareness about the beach and safety issues. A campaign, ‘Choose Wisely' on sustainable fishing was also launched.

The Blue Flag is only awarded for one season at a time. If the criteria are not met through the season, the award will be withdrawn. The Blue Flag was hoisted in the Corniche beach on June 5, 2011 (to commemorate World Environment Day). Al Bandar Marina and Yas Marina have also been awarded Blue Flags in the marina category.

Keen to ensure ecological safety

"By implementing the Blue Flag, ADM has contributed to the ongoing development and safeguarding of the coastline, the marine environment and the public health," says Al Mazroui. "This will also encourage the community to be very proud of our Corniche and get involved in maintaining our beach to the highest standards and ensure we keep the Blue Flag status. Blue Flag also increases opportunities for eco and sustainable tourism and ultimately help attract more tourists."

"Abu Dhabi's beaches have always met high international standards and it is now that we have been recognised and awarded Blue Flag status. We have been with the Blue Flag programme [unofficially] since 2008 and we have always been [keen] to ensure the ecological safety on our beaches. "

Sawaf says, "I would like to see all the public and private beaches in the UAE raising the Blue Flag. We can view it in this perspective: we are marketing a product and we make a profit from it. The only difference here is that the profit is not in financial terms but in environmental and social implications; which I believe is a lot more sweeter."

Making a difference
Who: The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City
Where: Abu Dhabi
Why: For raising the standards of Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach to achieve the prestigious Blue Flag certification

Zenifer Khaleel is an Abu Dhabi-based freelancer