Monday, Jun 13, 2011
Gulf News
Abu Dhabi: Blue flags were hoisted along the Abu Dhabi Corniche yesterday as part of a campaign to assure thousands of visitors to the Corniche of better health, environment and safety standards.
Abu Dhabi Corniche is the first beach in the Arabian Gulf region to achieve the Blue Flag certification. The certification is only awarded to beaches which meet stringent international standards in 32 areas, including environmental management, information and education, water quality, public safety and services.
The certification was awarded by the Emirates Wildlife SocietyWorld Wildlife Fund (EWS-WWF) acting as the national coordinator in the UAE for the Blue Flag Programme.
About 30,000 to 50,000 residents visit the beach every month, municipal officials told Gulf News.
Launched in 1987, the Blue Flag programme is a voluntary eco-label initiative acknowledged by the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) and the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). It has been implemented at more than 3,550 beaches and marinas across 40 countries worldwide.
The Blue Flag is granted for one season and aims to encourage sustainable development of beaches and marinas through compliance with its rigorous criteria.
Since the bathing season on the Abu Dhabi beach remains throughout the year, the certification is valid for one year, Lisa Perry, programme director at EWS-WWF told Gulf News.
Khalifa Al Mazroui, general manager of the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, said: This global achievement highlights Abu Dhabis track record of accomplishments towards promoting aesthetic and environmental values in alignment with the 2030 strategy and plans of the government of Abu Dhabi.
By Binsal Abdul Kader, Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2011. All rights reserved.
