AWARDS FOR sm.

IMPROVING

THE COASTAL

ENVIRONMENT:

THE EXAMPLE

OF THE

BLUE FLAG

United Nations Environment Programme U \FP

World Tourism Organization

1414 lit Foundation for Environmental Feee Education in Europe United Nations Environment Programme Industry and Environment IV V~ 39-43 quai André Citroen 75739 Paris Cedex IS UNEP France

World Tourism Organization x ci Capithn Haya, 42 28020 Madrid 44t1 ID Spain

Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe Fee* O lof Palmes Gade 10 DK-2100 København Denmark

Copyright 1996 UNEP/WTO/FEEE

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First edition 1996

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UNITED NATIONS PUBLICATION

ISBN 92-807-1625-5 -- AWARDS FOR IMPROVING I--- THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT:

THE EXAMPLE OF THE BLUE FLAG

6~a;~

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United Nations Environment Programme

Industry and Environment UNEP

World Tourism Organization

I 411 '.41( lit Foundation for Environmental Feee Education in Europe CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

THE IMPORTANCE OF COASTAL ZONES 3

Integrated coastal area management 4

Background to the Blue Flag campaign 5

THE EUROPEAN BLUE FLAG CAMPAIGN 7

The aims of the campaign 7

How the campaign works 8

How the campaign is financed 12

How the campaign is monitored 12

BLUE FLAG CRITERIA FOR BEACH SELECTION 15

Water quality 16

Beach management and safety 20

Environmental information and education 23

LESSONS FROM THE BLUE FLAG CAMPAIGN 27

Success of the campaign 27

Pilot projects 28

Natural inland waters 28

Concern for the coastal environment 29

Relevance of the Blue Flag approach 29

DEVELOPING CAMPAIGNS OUTSIDE EUROPE 31

The importance of geography 31

Social and economic issues 31

Institutional and legal considerations 33

A checklist for action 33

Conditions for success 36

Conclusions 36

ADDRESSES 39

REFERENCES 41

ANNEX 43 The groups of criteria in the Blue Flag campaign INTRODUCTION

The world's coastal regions are densely populated and environmentally vulnerable. They are subject to increasing pressures from a number of sources, including industrial Acknowledgements development, urban expansion, the exploitation of marine resources and tourism. There is thus an urgent need to integrate the many uses made of coastal resources so that they can be developed in harmony with one another and with the environment. Agenda 21 and UNEP IE, WTO and FEEE wish to thank in particular its chapter 17 Protecting and Managing the Oceans' reaffirmed this need. the many people and organizations which commented on earlier studies and have

This publication describes one way in which tourism is being better integrated with the thus contributed to this document, in coastal environment: the European Blue Flag campaign. Now a decade old, the Blue Flag particular: Jamie Bartram (WHO Centre campaign is an award system in which European beaches that fulfil a number of exacting for Environment and Health), Kenneth criteria in relation to factors such as the quality of bathing water, cleanliness and safety are Chamberlain (PATA Foundation), Eric given the right to fly the Blue Flag. With the generous financial and moral support of the Giroult (WHO), Rebecca Hawkins

European Commission, this flag has become a European symbol of coastal environmental (World Travel & Tourism Environment quality. It is much sought after by local authorities throughout Europe for the status it Research Centre), John E. Hay confers on them and the attraction it has for beach tourists. In 1995, 1463 European (University of Auckland. New Zealand) beaches were awarded Blue Flags. and Nico Visser (Environmental Coordinator for the Netherlands

For some time the Industry and Environment Centre of the United Nations Environment Antilles).

Programme (UNEP lE) has been working with the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (FEEE), which coordinates the Blue Flag campaign, and the World Coordinators of the project were: Tourism Organization (WTO) to investigate the possibility of extending the campaign to UNEP IE: J. Aloisi de Larderel, non-European regions. One way of doing this was to commission a study of the issues Director, H. Genot, senior consultant, involved. and 0. Perera, consultant; World Tourism Organization: Peter

One conclusion of this study is that schemes such as the Blue Flag campaign have done Shackleford, Chief, Environment and much to improve environmental awareness in coastal areas. However, the Blue Flag Planning; and campaign has evolved rapidly and efficiently under European conditions to serve European FEEE: Jan Eriksen, Director, and Lene needs. In other areas of the world, the coastal environment is geographically and physically Andersen, International Blue Flag different, social and economic conditions have little in common with those in Europe, and Coordinator. the coastal environment faces quite different threats. Such areas might benefit greatly from similar schemes and, while the Blue Flag campaign as constructed in Europe might not be Lene Andersen of FEEE prepared the directly transferable to non-European regions, its principles and topics of concern are first draft of this document. Robin Clarke equally relevant anywhere in the world and could be therefore be adopted. wrote the final version and prepared the illustrations and page layout. However, other countries and regions wishing to initiate award schemes for beaches can learn much from the Blue Flag experience. The final chapter of this publication highlights the problems likely to be encountered and the steps that need to be taken to mount a successful coastal award campaign. THE IMPORTANCE OF COASTAL ZONES

More than half of the world's population The environment of many coastal areas has lives within 60 km of a coastline. By the been adversely affected by tourism. In many year 2020, that figure will have risen to of the major resorts in the Mediterranean three-quarters. The world's coastal areas area, for example, the population more are thus exposed to rapid urban growth, than doubles during the summer tourist increasing population pressure, pressures season, and local government is hard put to 'More than half of the world's from major industries, particularly tourism, provide the resources required. As a result, and extensive exploitation of marine in several areas of the Mediterranean population lives within 60 km resources. The results include the pollution bathing water is polluted, the sea is over- of a coastline. By the year of marine and freshwater resources, air fished, natural wetlands are drying up, and pollution, loss of marine and land resources, disposal of wastewater and sewage presents 2020, that figure will have the loss of cultural resources, loss of public difficult problems. According to a UNEP risen to three-quarters. The access, soil degradation, and increasing report, problems connected with levels of noise and congestion. wastewater disposal in four areas of the world's coastal areas are thus Island of Rhodes, for example, were costing exposed to rapid urban Tourism is the most important industry in the island more than US$8 million a year in many coastal areas. By 1994, international lost tourist revenue in the early 1990s. The growth, increasing population world tourist receipts had reached more report continues: pressure, pressures from than US$320 000 million a year and the number of international tourist arrivals Coastal resources cannot be used by any major industries, particularly totalled 528 million. Much of this money interest group as their exdusive right. The tourism, and extensive and many of these arrivals affect coastal sea cannot be regarded as a common areas snce the beach holiday—'sun and basin for effluent disposal ... Almost all exploitation of marine sand' tourism—is still the most popular coastal and marine areas produce or resources.' form of tourism. Coastal areas are thus one support multiple products and services. of the tourism industry's principle Sectoral solutions usually 'transfer' the resources, and there is an urgent to protect problem between resources, products and and improve coastal resources. services. Tourism will not flourish if the area loses its attraction to visitors; fisheries Although there have been many attempts to are usually on the receiving end of protect coastal areas and to encourage everyone else's problems. Industry and sustainable forms of coastal development, energy facilities can degrade the few have been successful. The main reason environment for all other activities. There for this is that they have largely been is, therefore, a need to bring sectoral sectoral, and there is fierce competition for activities together to achieve a commonly coastal resources in many areas. For acceptable coastal management example, there is often conflict in coastal framework areas over access to the coastline, which is required for tourist beaches, marinas, Guidelines for Integrated Management of aquaculture and cooling for power Coastal and Marine Areas, (JNEP, 1995. generation.

3 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

INTEGRATED COASTAL is needed to bring together the conflicting AREA MANAGEMENT demands of society for products and services, taking into account both current 'The transfer of coastal As pressures increase, problems can no and future interests. The aim is generate longer be transferred. The transfer of economically, socially and ecologically erosion down wind, or water coastal erosion down wind, or water acceptable policies for coastal and marine pollution downstream, or air pollution downstream, or air pollution management. dispersed further afield by ever higher pollution dispersed further smoke stacks are not acceptable solutions Integrated coastal zone management afield by ever higher smoke to coastal conflicts. Mechanisms have to be (ICZM) has been developed to serve these created to ensure that environmental costs needs. ICZM is a continuous, proactive and stacks are not acceptable are incorporated into economic evaluations adaptive process of resource management solutions to coastal conflicts.' and not passed on to other areas or to for environmentally sustainable future generations. An integrated approach development in coastal areas. Its three

+ The coastal area is a unique resource development is especially appropriate system which requires special for the coast management and planning approaches + Special forms of economic and social + Water is the major integrating force in benefit evaluation and public

coastal resource systems participation are used in coastal + It is essential that land and sea uses be management programmes

planned and managed in combination + Conservation for sustainable use is a + The edge of the sea is the focal point major goal of coastal resources of coastal management programmes management

+ Coastal management boundaries A. Multiple-use management is should be issue-based and adaptive appropriate for most coastal resource + A major emphasis of coastal resources systems management is to conserve common + Multiple-sector involvement is essential property resources to sustainable use of coastal resources

+ Prevention of damage from natural 4 Traditional resource management

hazards and conservation of natural should be respected

resources should be combined in + The environmental impact assessment

ICZM programmes approach is essential to effective

+ All levels of government within a coastal management country must be involved in coastal Source: Clark, J. R. Integrated Management of management and planning Coastal Zones. FAQ, Rome, 1992, FAQ •• The nature-synchronous approach to Fisheries Technical Paper No. 327.

4 THE IMPORTANCE OF COASTAL ZONES

major objectives are to: began to broaden from individual beaches to community policies in relation to the

+ strengthen sectoral management by coastal environment. This significant policy improving training, legislation and change was made in recognition of the staffing; importance of integrated coastal + preserve the biological diversity of management tourism is one of the 'In 1994, the focus of the coastal ecosystems by preventing habitat industries that has to compete for limited Blue Flag strategy began to destruction, pollution and coastal resources and tourism depends, in overexploitation; and turn, on a clean and undamaged broaden from individual • promote the rational development and environment with which to attract visitors. beaches to community policies sustainable utilization of coastal These conditions cannot be met without resources. integrated coastal planning. in relation to the coastal

environment ... the The principles that underlie ICZM are It is important to distinguish award-winning summarized in the box on the left. schemes of this sort from the kind of organization plans eventually regulations that have in the past been to introduce new requirements legislated to compel industries and local BACKGROUND TO THE authorities to observe environmental on such issues as traffic BLUE FLAG CAMPAIGN standards. While there is still an important management, recycling, The Blue Flag campaign, which is the main role for such regulations, positive reward subject of this publication, takes this as its schemes which are voluntary and non- wastewater management and background. The campaign began in the punitive are increasingly popular. The Blue coastal zone planning.' mid-I 980s as a means of encouraging local Flag campaign falls into this category. Award authorities to provide clean and safe schemes and eco-labelling are common in beaches (and marinas) for local populations the tourism industry, though as yet there is and tourists. But the campaign was little objective information on their increasingly conducted within the much effectiveness in achieving environmental

wider context of environmental goals. improvement of the coastal area, and the criteria used in the campaign have been progressively broadened as the campaign has matured. The long-term objectives of the campaign are to:

+ improve understanding of the coastal

environment; and

+ promote the incorporation of

environmental issues in the decision-

making processes of local authorities and their partners.

In 1994, the focus of the Blue Flag strategy

5 THE EUROPEAN BLUE FLAG CAMPAIGN

The Blue Flag Campaign is an award scheme marinas, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland and that seeks to reward local government and Turkey had joined the campaign, pilot its partners for providing safe and clean schemes had been started in Estonia and beaches and marinas. The award, the Blue Sweden, and Blue Flags were being awarded Flag itself, is given annually to beaches and for natural inland waters as well as coastal marinas that satisfy a number of essential beaches and marinas (marinas are not criteria; progress in reaching a further set considered in this publication). "ENO_0.M*h,* of guideline criteria is also taken into ~ consideration in the annual award. The cmq IN, 0 _** criteria used for beach selection are dealt THE AIMS OF with in detail in the next chapter. THE CAMPAIGN The campaign is targeted at local

The campaign is organized by the authorities, the general public and the Foundation for Environmental Education in tourism industry. Its main objectives are to Europe (FEEE), a network of organizations improve understanding of the coastal The Foundation for Environmental working to promote environmental environment and promote the Education in Europe (FEEE) seeks to education in Europe (see box). One of incorporation of environmental issues in the promote environmental education by FEEE's earliest projects was a pollution- decision-making processes of local carrying out campaigns and improving tracking exercise in which bottles authorities and their partners. awareness of the importance of containing a message identifying their point environmental education. It is composed of origin were allowed to drift at sea. The The campaign is part of a much larger of a network of organizations which drifting bottles provided a means of tracking movement towards voluntary self-regulation undertake individual projects in their the spread of solid wastes at sea, and the by industry to achieve specified own countries and participate in campaign's logo was a bottle floating on environmental standards. Self-regulation is international efforts. The FEEE, which has three wave tops. It was this logo that gave proving both more popular and more its headquarters in Denmark, runs three rise to the Blue Flag. successful than the older 'command-and- major campaigns in Europe: the Blue Flag control' procedures by which national and Campaign, Eco-Schools and Young The first II Blue Flags were awarded in local government created regulations with Reporters for the Environment.

France in 1985 to municipalities that which individual industries were then forced achieved high standards in bathing water to abide. quality and wastewater treatment. The next year the number of applicants quadrupled, In the long term, the goals of the form of and 43 Blue Flags were awarded. In 1987 self-regulation catalysed by the Blue Flag the FEEE took over the organization of the campaign include promotion of: campaign, with support from the Commission of European Communities. A the sustainable use of coastal resources; year later the campaign had spread to eight •• awareness of the need for integrated other countries—Denmark, Germany, management of the coastal zone (ICZM);

Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and + awareness of the importance of the the United Kingdom—and 391 Blue Flag coastal environment to its users; and awards were made. By 1995, Blue Flags + sound national policies on water quality. were flying at 1454 beaches and 337

7 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

These aims are achieved through an annual influenced by those with vested award given to those recipients that achieve interests. a set of specified standards. The value of the award is the message that it sends The Blue Flag award is not lightly given. In 1987 about its recipients to users of the coastal France in 1995, for example, 160 Bathing water criteria for total and faecal environment—a message that symbolizes communes applied for the flag for their coliforms are based on either national clean and safe beaches managed with beaches but only 82 of them received it. In standards or the European Community consideration for the environment. The many participating countries, on average 'imperative' standards for total and faecal Blue Flag is thus a form of eco-label for fewer than half the applicants actually coliforms, whichever are the more strict beaches which guides the consumer—the receive the award. tourist—towards a quality environment. 1990 Environmental education activities There is little doubt that the message is HOW THE become essential criteria efficiently and positively relayed. In 1995, CAMPAIGN WORKS for example, 90 French national and The Blue Flag scheme works simultaneously 1992 regional publications carried a total of 278 at three levels: local, national and Bathing water criteria for total and faecal articles on the Blue Flag campaign. Only international. coliforms are based on both the one was critical of the campaign. 'imperative' and the guidance' standards of the European Community Directive, Local organizations One important principle of the Blue Flag regardless of national standards scheme is that it sets progressively higher The local authority, in partnership with goals for its participants as knowledge local organizations, makes the initial 1993 improves and standards are raised. The box decision to apply for the Blue Flag award. Bathing water criteria include maximum on the left shows how some of the The other participants in the partnership counts for faecal streptococci standards have changed in the past and how are likely to be local associations, they are expected to change in the future. businesses concerned with tourism, tourist 1994 on groups themselves and representatives of Blue Flag strategy moves from focus on a The success of the Blue Flag campaign has the local population. The application for the single beach to a community policy focus been due to a number of factors, of which award is made to the national Blue Flag the most important appear to be: operator and it must be made by local 1996-97 government itself, which thus becomes the new requirements to be introduced on the criteria for awarding the Blue Flag key player in the Blue Flag award system. such issues as traffic management, are set in advance; Local governments have been persuaded by recycling, wastewater management and • the award is valid for only one year, and the importance of the Blue Flag award to coastal zone planning has to be earned anew each year; introduce many improvements on European + even during that year, the Blue Flag will beaches. Examples of some of the changes post 2000 be removed from beaches where recently introduced, at least partly in order criteria expected to include matching conditions have deteriorated so that the to comply with Blue Flag criteria, are given level of wastewater treatment to visitor criteria for qualification are no longer in the box on the right. load, coastal management plans, fulfilled; and environmental impact assessments for + the awards are made by independent Local government has many responsibilities new projects, and recycling. committees whose decisions cannot be in relation to its beaches. These include:

8 THE EUROPEAN BLUE FLAG CAMPAIGN

te ensuring that bathing water quality National Blue Flag operations are often

meets required standards; housed within an existing NGO as one of organizing litter collection and its activities—for example, in the United

environmentally-sound forms of litter Kingdom the national Blue Flag campaign is Bulgaria, 1995 disposal; operated by the Tidy Britain Group which Publication of brochures on sea water + ensuring visitor safety on beaches; is therefore the Blue Flag organization in conditions and dune flora + managing beaches to avoid the United Kingdom. In Greece, the Blue environmental deterioration; Flag campaign is operated by the Hellenic Calvi, Corsica, 1995 + maintaining beaches in an aesthetically- Society for the Protection of Nature. There Tenders invited for alternative means of

pleasing form; are also countries in which a close partner disposing of household wastes informing visitors about the need to to the national Blue Flag organization takes protect the environment, safety care of the Blue Flag campaign; for example, Dieppe, France, 1995 precautions, and available services; in the Netherlands FEEE-N has overall More than 90 million francs + incorporating environmental responsibility for the Blue Flag campaign as (US$18 million) earmarked to improve

considerations into local planning; the Dutch member of FEEE but the Royal bathing water quality improving environmental education and Dutch Touring Club hosts the national Blue information activities; Flag operation. This arrangement reduces United Kingdom, 1990-95 + coordinating applications for Blue Flag costs and simplifies procedures since the Access improvements for cars and cyclists, and particularly for pedestrians awards; national Blue Flag operation can normally + surveying awarded sites and reporting be provided with offices and office and the disabled on conditions to the national Blue Flag equipment at little additional cost. Lassithi, Greece, 1995 operator; and Creation of natural area and wetland flying the Blue Flag on awarded beaches The national organization is also responsible around artifical lake and displaying the relevant criteria. for running the national jury that judges applicants and nominates those that it Spain, 1992- believes fulfil the necessary criteria. It is, of National organizations The Blue Flag campaign has insisted on course, most important that decisions on observance of the Sea Shore Act of 1992 The national Blue Flag organization is a applicants are not taken by the national private, non-profit, non-governmental operator alone but by a broad and balanced Turkey organization (NGO). This organization is set of interests. National authorities that Demolition of an unauthorized and responsible for need to be represented in the jury include environmentally-damaging establishment those: near Bodrum Yahsi Beach •. publicizing the national campaign; + advising and training applicants on how in charge of water quality monitoring Portovenere, Italy, 1994 best to fulfil the Blue Flag criteria; and the implementation of water quality Establishment of environmental •. verifying the reliability of information policies; education centre on a small island 200 provided by applicants; •. that make and oversee national policies metres from the beach + ensuring that the national campaign is on coastal zone management, nature

conducted according to international protection and tourism; and SkIskør, Denmark, 1994 guidelines; and + national safety boards that make policy Blue Flag guide-training scheme for the + ensuring that those who receive the and safety guidelines for those on or long-term unemployed award fulfil their resulting obligations; near the sea.

9 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

The national juries thus typically comprise The national Blue Flag operator must representatives of ministries of the cooperate with a number of national environment, health, tourism and marine partners. For example, in most countries a affairs, national associations of department within the Ministry of Health or municipalities, consumer associations and Environment is responsible for monitoring environmental organizations. The make-up bathing water quality. Other partners are of a typical jury is shown in the box on the likely to include national tourism next page. authorities, safety boards, sea and coastal authorities, and environmental authorities The national organization receives and dealing with coastal zone management and processes nominations from the national the protection of nature. All these bodies jury. The names of successful candidates are provide technical and political support for then passed on to the European jury, which the Blue Flag campaign. resolves any disputed applications. In addition, the national operator also The names of successful candidates are then needs to decide which sub-national announced by the national organization and organizations should be involved in or the Blue Flags are raised at ceremonies informed of the national campaign. In many throughout Europe on a set date, usually in countries, sub-national organizations are the first week of June. wholly or partially responsible for such activities as the management of protected

Major partners in a Blue Flag campaign

LOCAL NATIONAL AND I INTERNATIONAL JURY; POPULATION SUB-NATIONAL I REPRESENTATIVES FROM - -' AUTHORITIES I FEEE AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORCANIZATIONS i LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS

NATIONAL LOCAL NATIONAL

OPERATOR

LOCAL BUSINESSES

1GOVERNMEN NGOS FOR FOUNDATION FOR TOURISM, I ENVIRONMENTAL TOURIST - ENVIRONMENT I EDUCATION ETC ASSOCIATIONS IN EUROPE

10 THE EUROPEAN BLUE FLAG CAMPAIGN

The composition of national juries is important because they guarantee the independence of the awards. In France there are 25 Departmental Commissions which form 'local juries' which vet initial applications. These are then forwarded to the national jury which consists of:

4• 7 members of the French Blue Flag organization; + the Director of Water, Ministry of the Environment; + the Director of Nature and the Countryside, Ministry of the Environment; 4• the Director-General of Health, Ministry of Health; 4 one member of the Tourism Directorate, Ministère de 'Equipement; + one member of the Directorate for the Sea, Ministére de l'Equipement; + the President of the Conservatoire du Littoral; and + one well known environmentalist.

areas, the monitoring of environmental International organizations quality, and the planning of wastewater Any scheme that involves more than one treatment and solid waste disposal. In country—and such schemes are inevitably France, the Departmental Committee on more prestigious and effective than national Sanitation plays a useful role in ensuring ones—requires some form of international that the information provided by local organization. The Blue Flag organization is communes is correct and has not been unusual in that it is essentially a network of influenced by local desire to attain the national organizations. Thus there is no award. In Spain and Germany, the regions expensive, centralized pan-European have a high degree of autonomy and play headquarters to maintain. A small somewhat different roles in the Blue Flag international centre exists in Denmark process. In Spain the autonomous regions whose main jobs are to organize meetings must approve the local authority's for national operators to discuss common application. In Germany, the regions play an problems and future requirements, to important role in policy making because catalyse the campaign's international they may formulate environmental contacts, to ensure exchange of information regulations that are stricter than Federal and know-how between countries, to laws. The Blue Flag campaign therefore produce common European information needs regional support as well as the and promotional materials, and to run the support of the Federal government. European Jury. AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

The European jury is chaired by the FEEE. or Water. Others, such as the one in Italy, Its members are usually the President, Vice- are financed mainly by an industrial sponsor. President and Secretary General of the Where industrial sponsors are used, the FEEE, and a representative of the European sponsor is not normally represented on the Bulgaria (800 000 BUL a year) Commission's Directorate General XI. The jury in order to safeguard the independence private company sponsorship 30% European jury's main job is to resolve of the award process. Yet others, including public company sponsorship 43% fees 27% controversial applications and, to quote the the United Kingdom, are supported mainly FEEE publication on Blue Flag Awards in by fees, of which there are several kinds: Cyprus (2000 CYP a year) Cyprus Marine Environment 1995, to ensure 'a common meaning and membership fees, fees charged for Protection Association 62.5% standard of the European Blue Flag applications, and fees for the provision of Cyprus Tourism Organization 25% wherever it is found'. the Blue Flag itself. Where fees are other sponsorship 12.5% substantial, it is usual to provide a range of Denmark (US$175 000) services in return. Thus the UK application fees 75% HOW THE CAMPAIGN fee is $750 which entitles the applicant to The Outdoor Council 20% IS FUNDED sponsorship 5% advice, pre-award visits and consultation The Blue Flag campaign is financed at the with a written report, the flag itself, and Greece (US$76 000 a year) Ministry of Environment 85% international level by a grant from the assistance with promotion in the form of fees 8% European Union to the FEEE. National Blue leaflets, press releases and posters. donations 7% Flag operations are not expensive but they

Ireland (US$22 000 a year) all require funds to pay staff, organize Department of the Environment 100% meetings and promote the organization. HOW THE CAMPAIGN IS MONITORED Portugal (US$82 000 a year) These funds can be provided in three basic national and regional authorities 45% ways: through governments grants, An important characteristic of the campaign fees 29% industrial sponsorship or fees. is that the Blue Flag can be taken away as voluntary work, etc. 26% well as awarded. It follows that beaches Slovenia (10 million SIT) The box on the left lists the budgets for must be inspected to ensure that they do national authorities 70% some of the Blue Flag national operators. indeed comply with the criteria. Most sponsorships 30% Typically, the major costs for a fairly large national operators have a small budget for (US$90 000 a year) Spain national campaign (involving hundreds of their inspection team. In some countries national authorities 63% beaches) are the salary of those involved, every beach is claimed to be inspected regional authorities 33% FEEE project support 4% perhaps one person full time, one person every week; in other countries beaches are half-time and payments for inspectors' time inspected only annually. Sweden (US$44 000 a year) currently only fees, (perhaps 250 hours a year involving five sponsorships will be sought in the future different inspectors). On the other hand, Blue Flags are removed from European

Turkey (5100 million TL a year) pilot schemes are often staffed by beaches almost every year, though rarely fees 67% volunteers and may benefit from small more than one or two in any one country. Ministry of Tourism 29% grants from the FEEE. Removal of flags is thus not a hollow threat FEEE project support 4% but a real possibility—and indeed one of United Kingdom (US$37 000 a year) Some national operations, such as those in the criteria for selection is that a beach fees 67% France and Ireland, are financed directly by remove its own Blue Flag should conditions Tidy Britain Group grant 33% a government agency such as the deteriorate in such a way that the essential Department of the Environment, Tourism criteria are no longer fulfilled. This is a form

12 THE EUROPEAN BLUE FLAG CAMPAIGN

of self-regulation which has been developed in a number of countries and in which the public can also play a role. The illustration European Blue Flag Awards 1995 opposite shows how Ireland has approached the problem. "THIS BEACH IS UNDER OBSERVATION BY YOU"

At the Irish Jury meeting held in April 1995 it was decided that a notice highlighting matters which the Jury feels need particular attention should be displayed at each beach.

You, the beach user are the key. You can point out to the Local Authority any problems you see. This will help keep the beach up to the high standard needed if it is to keep the flag.

Please contact either Louth County Council at tel: 042-35457 or An Taisce - National Co-ordinators Blue Flag Scheme at tel: 01 -4549248 if you have any comments.

Beach name: Clogherhead

Matters under Scrutiny at this beach: Vandalism in the toilets The caravan park

An Taisce Caring for Ireland's Environment

An Taisce - The National Trust for Ireland, Tailors' Hall, Back Lane, Dublin 8.

Example of public monitoring of Blue Flag criteria encouraged in Ireland.

13 BLUE FLAG CRITERIA FOR BEACH SELECTION

To be eligible for the Blue Flag award, a The criteria are not the only basis for the beach has to achieve certain standards in Blue Flag award: the European Jury also three separate areas: water quality, beach takes into account evidence of plans for '... the criteria are not the management and safety, and environmental environmental improvements as well as information and education. Some of these future environmental education projects. only basis for the Blue Flag standards are considered essential, and It is important to realize that on a continent award: the European Juty also they must be achieved if a Blue Flag is to of Europe's size and geographical diversity, be awarded. Others are considered beach requirements vary widely. What is takes into account evidence of desirable, and success in achieving these needed for an almost deserted beach in the plans for environmental guideline requirements is taken into north of Finland, for example, differs from account in the decision as to whether to the requirements for a large, crowded and improvements as well as award a Blue Flag. The essential and popular beach near a major city on the future environmental guideline criteria are summarized in this Mediterranean. National operators are thus chapter in both checklists and boxes, free to interpret all or some of the education projects.' alongside more detailed discussions of the guidance requirements as essential criteria issues involved. The official wording of the in their national schemes. The United criteria, together with the guidance notes Kingdom, for example, treats all the guiding issues by the FEEE on how the criteria are criteria as essential. Needless to say, the to be interpreted, are reproduced as an essential criteria have to be applied to all Annex. beaches flying the Blue Flag.

Essential criteria information on bathing water quality must be Guideline criteria I. Water quality must comply with the posted on the beach, and updated regularly. I. Local and regional emergency plans requirements of the EU Bathing Water should exist to cope with pollution Directive for total and faecal coliforms and 2. No industrial or sewage-related accidents. for fáecal streptococci. Water samples must discharges may affect the beach area.

be taken fortnightly during the bathing 2. Seaweeds and other vegetation should season, starting a fortnight before the The beach and its immediate hinterland not be allowed to accumulate or left to beginning of the season. At least 80 percent must comply with official development plans decay on the beach. of the sampling results for the two coliform and planning laws. parameters must be below the EU guideline value while for faecal streptococci 90 percent There must be no gross or visible of the results must be below the guideline. pollution from sewage or other sources. No more than 5 percent of the samples may exceed the EU 'imperative' value for the two S. There must be no visible hydrocarbon coliform parameters. During the season pollution.

15 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

WATER QUALITY by micro-organisms, the Blue Flag campaign assesses water quality by reference to three The quality of bathing water on Europe's groups of organisms: total coliforms, faecal beaches is variable. This is a cause for coliforms and faecal streptococci. These are '... untreated sewage is the concern because, apart from aesthetic all harmless bacteria, found in large commonest pollutant and the considerations, polluted bathing water can numbers in the human intestine, which are pose serious health risks. The main dangers widely used as indicators of water quality principle cause of infection in are from: (specifically of the presence of sewage in coastal water. in many coastal the water). Streptococci are included as • gastro-intestinal infections, with symptoms well as coliforms because they are more areas, even in developed which inctude diarrhoea, abdominal pain, persistent in the environment (days to countries, much sewage is vomiting, nausea and fever; weeks) than coliforms (hours to days), and • skin and ear infections; their presence may still indicate sewage discharged directly into the • skin irritation and sensitization; contamination some time after the sea without treatment' • eye, nose and throat irritations; and coliforms have died off. • respiratory allergies. The table on the right shows the criteria Any of these conditions can affect people set by the World Health Organization, the bathing or swimming in polluted water, or Environmental Protection Agency in the those who practise other sports such as United States (US EPA) and the European scuba diving and wind surfing. They can also Economic Community (EEC). There are affect people playing on or near the water's small variations between these criteria, and edge and people who have prolonged the Blue Flag campaign currently uses the contact with wet sand. EEC criteria set in 1975. As has already been noted, however, the Blue Flag criteria are in continuous evolution, and the Sources of pollution current practice may change, particularly The main causes of bathing water pollution since recent evidence suggests that a count Water quality check list are agricultural run-off, untreated or poorly of one specific coliform, Escherichio coil, treated wastewater and sewage, industrial might be preferable to the total and faecal Essential discharges, and thermal pollution from coliform counts (several countries, including V microbiological monitoring industry and power stations. Of these, France and Denmark, have in fact already V public display of water quality data untreated sewage is the commonest implemented this change). The European

V no discharges affecting beach pollutant and the principle cause of Union has recently made new proposals for V compliance with official plans and infection in coastal water. In many coastal a bathing water quality directive, details of legislation areas, even in developed countries, much which are also shown in the table opposite. V no visible pollution sewage is discharged directly into the sea Furthermore, both the US EPA and the without treatment. World Health Organization are considering Guideline widening or revising their standards. Until I plans for pollution accidents recently, standards have been produced Water quality parameters / no decaying vegetation mainly to lessen the chances of gastro- Since the main dangers are from infection intestinal infection. In future, they are likely

16 BLUE FLAG CRITERIA FOR BEACH SELECTION

Standards for bathing water quality

World Health US Environmental European Economic European Union Organization Protection Agency Community proposal (1974) (1986) (1975) (1994)

Total coliforms/100 ml 1=95%< 10000 none G=80%<500

Faecal coliforms/ 100 ml 50%<100 and geometric mean<200 l=95%<2000 none 90%< 1000 and 90%<400 G=80%< 100

Escherichia coii/l00 ml l=95%<2000 G=80%< 100

Faecal streptococci/I 00 ml 50%<100 and enterococci<35 I none 1= 95 %<400 G=90%< 100 G=90%< 100

Salmonella =0 none

Enteroviruses 1=0 1=0 pIus no bacteriophages

pH within 10% of 6.5-8.3 1=6.0-9.0 natural value

Temperature <30 ° C unless naturally caused

Dissolved oxygen G=80-120% 1=80-120% saturation saturation

Transparency less than 10% above - 1=1 metre none natural turbidity G=2 metres

Other no change in colour, - no abnormal changes in taste or odour; colour, no visible film or no floating debris odour of mineral oils, no oil or other material persistent foam, no odour forming objectionable of phenols, no solid deposits sewage

Sampling as conditions require at least 5 per 30 days at least every 2 weeks several metres off shore on public beaches first sample 15 days before in water> I m deep season, in areas where at depths of 20-50 cm bathing density is highest, 30 cm below surface

NOTES I. Bacteria occur in water not as free individuals but as clumps or attached to particles, and it is these clumps or particles that are counted in tests. Thus 90%<400 means that 90% of samples taken must contain fewer than 400 bacteria-containing clumps or particles per 100-mi sample. 2. I stands for imperative, meaning required, G for guideline, meaning recommended.

17 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

to be broadened to include both allergic Algae will also have to be monitored, reactions and to place greater emphasis on should these be problematic. Algal blooms the aesthetic appearance of beaches. are caused by the discharge of nutrients

Medical debris, including discarded from agriculture or from poorly treated

hypodermic syringes, has become wastewater. In effect, the algae that always increasingly common on Europe's beaches, exist, albeit in low concentrations, are

and is not only unsightly but potentially fertilized and undergo an explosive

Beach ashtrays are dIstributed on some French dangerous. population growth which quickly clouds the beaches in an attempt to reduce smoking litter. water. Blue-green algae can cause an acute

The Blue Flag criteria do not specifically skin inflammation, called marine cyanophyte

include the need to monitor other dermatitis. The red algae called

organisms or specific chemical and physical dinoflagellates produce neurotoxins which

attributes of the water. However., the can accumulate to harmful levels during a

campaign does recommend routine bloom. Since they are eaten by mussels and

monitoring of a number of these other other shellfish, where the toxins parameters and national Blue Flag juries will accumulate, they are potentially dangerous. ensure, through the participation of the Protection against algal blooms is difficult. relevant national authorities, that applicants Where they occur, regular monitoring of

'Blue-green algae can cause an that have problems in other areas are water turbidity is important and the cause taking appropriate steps to deal with them. of unusual changes should be identified. acute skin inflammation, called Where algal blooms occur often, marine cyanophyte dermatitis. For example, it may be necessary to extend emergency response plans should be

monitoring and control operations if there elaborated. The red algae called are outbreaks of viral contamination, dino flagellates produce particularly by enteroviruses, some of which Temperature and acidity are the two most are highly infectious. While monitoring for important physical characteristics of bathing neurotoxins which can enteroviruses is both difficult and water. Temperature should not rise above accumulate to harmful levels expensive, current investigations suggest 30 °C as a result of thermal pollution or that monitoring for a group of viruses called industrial discharges. The pH value of during a bloom. Since they are bacteriophages can provide a good indicator bathing waters should be in the 6.5-8.5 eaten by mussels and other of the extent of viral contamination in range; more alkaline or more acidic water general and enteroviruses in particular. can cause eye irritation. shellfish, where the toxins Similarly it may become necessary to monitor salmonella levels should there be accumulate, they are Aesthetic considerations an outbreak of salmonella poisoning or if a potentially dangerous. location becomes polluted as a result of The aesthetic condition of a beach is Protection against algal blooms accidents such as a broken sewer. Particular important to three human senses—sight, circumstances may call for the use of other smell and taste. While such factors are not is difficult.' indicators, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa easily quantified, the Blue Flag campaign and Ccndida albicans, where amoebic or does include a number of specific aesthetic fungal infections are occurring, criteria. These are that bathing waters should be free from:

18 BLUE FLAG CRITERIA FOR BEACH SELECTION

+ materials that can settle and create Informing the public

objectionable deposits; The tourist is becoming increasingly

+ floating debris such as scum and oil; concerned about the quality of the + substances with objectionable colours, environment in general and of bathing 'Major discharges into the sea, smell or taste, or which produce water in particular. These concerns greatly turbidity; and influence the choice of holiday site and the particularly near the coastline, + substances and conditions that produce tourist thus appreciates objective should be eliminated if they undesirable forms of aquatic life (such as information. Tourists are also entitled to

algal blooms). maximum transparency on the part of the are near to tourist beaches facilities they use and pay for. The and if local authorities do not provision of such information also Sampling requirements encourages beach users to help keep both have access to microanalytical Sampling of water quality must be the beach and the bathing water clean and techniques for assessing systematic and carried out at a number of hygienic. sites, the number being determined by the bathing water quality.' size of the bathing population, the Bathing water quality data must therefore proximity of potential sources of pollution, be displayed in every bathing area and must and the occurrence of maximum use and be updated regularly. If necessary, these pollution periods. data should be accompanied by information on any improvement works being carried Samples must be collected in sterile out or planned. This information must be containers by operators wearing plastic displayed on the beach but can also be gloves at points that are at least one metre publicized in the town hall, at aquatic sports below the sea surface and several metres and sailing clubs, and at first aid and life- from the shore. Samples should be saving posts. delivered to the analytical laboratory within four hours in cooled containers that are Pollution control measures sealed from the light. The laboratory should analyse the samples as soon as possible. Local authorities have an obligation to The laboratory selected should itself be assess all discharges into the sea, monitor independent, guaranteed by other bodies, bathing water quality, investigate the such as the State, and be equipped to carry causes of any deterioration in quality and, out the analyses involved in an efficient where this deterioration poses a threat to manner. health, prohibit bathing in the affected areas. Sampling should start two weeks before the peak season and continue until it ends, at at Major discharges into the sea, particularly least fortnightly intervals. It is a good idea near the coastline, should be eliminated if to take a few out-of-season samples in they are near to tourist beaches and if local order to establish baseline values. authorities do not have access to

microanalytical techniques for assessing

19 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

'The Blue Flag campaign has bathing water quality. All such discharges simply stated: they must be clean and safe. are controlled to some extent by either Cleanliness played a role in speeding the local or national legislation, although introduction of [efficient discharges that are not harmful to the The first requirement is to provide enough environment may be permitted if litter bins to accommodate all the rubbish sanitation] schemes in a investigations show them not to be harmful generated by its users. These bins must be number of areas. The to either health or the environment. For regularly emptied—at least daily—and example, filtered domestic wastewater can properly maintained. Bins on the beach important thing is that be discharged without harm through spray should be covered and not more than 25 efficient plans are made to cones fixed to long outlet pipes that metres apart. Alternatively larger discharge well away from the shore in areas receptacles can be placed at beach access introduce sanitation, even if where coastal waters have the capacity to points, providing means can be found of they can be implemented only purify themselves through the actions of persuading tourists to carry their litter prevailing winds, currents and tides. Where there. at a pace determined by the such conditions do not exist, the availability of funding.' wastewater must be treated. Particularly Since tourists and other beach users cannot harmful wastes, such as those from always be relied upon to dispose of all their hospitals, must be pretreated before they own rubbish, the beach area must also be are discharged into the sewage system. regularly cleaned. The Blue Flag requirement is that the beach be cleaned

and While efficient sanitation schemes (which daily during the season, although this rk list involve both the collection and the requirement is waived if cleaning is

- treatment of sewage) are expensive, they obviously not always necessary. Essential are being increasingly introduced into V provision for litter coastal areas. The Blue Flag campaign has One important means of keeping the beach V beach cleaning played a role in speeding the introduction clean is to provide clean toilets and washing V no driving, bicycle racing, dumping or of such schemes in a number of areas. The facilities. On average, one toilet is required unauthorized camping important thing is that efficient plans are for approximately every 100 people of each V safe access made to introduce sanitation, even if they sex. Separate facilities for the disabled are a V beach use zoning can be implemented only at a pace guideline requirement but the provision of V sanitary facilities determined by the availability of funding. toilets in general is an essential requirement V lifeguards and/or life-saving equipment For this reason some Blue Flag awards have because the periphery of beaches without V first aid posts been made on the basis of plans to these facilities quickly becomes fouled, the V control of domestic animals introduce sanitation in the future where beach environment is spoiled and bathing beaches were not seriously affected by a water quality may deteriorate to perhaps Guideline lack of sanitation. dangerous levels. The provision of proper / drinking water supply sanitation is expensive since all sewage / public telephones wastewater must either be stored in leak- / provision for handicapped people BEACH MANAGEMENT proof tanks that are regularly emptied or / proper maintenance of buildings and AND SAFETY led directly by sewers to a sewage equipment The main management and safety treatment plant. requirements of Blue Flag beaches are

20 BLUE FLAG CRITERIA FOR BEACH SELECTION

Essential criteria recreational activities is also required Guideline criteria I. Litter bins must be provided in adequate whenever these are incompatible. I. A source of drinking water should be numbers, and must be properly secured and available. regularly maintained and emptied. There must There must be adequate and clean be adequate provision for refuse, algal matter sanitary facilities with controlled sewage Public telephones should be within easy and other pollutants collected on the beach. disposal, in the form of closed and seepage- access from the beach. proof tanks that are regularly emptied or

The beach must be cleaned daily during pipes leading to a sewage treatment plant. Access ramps and special toilet facilities the bathing season when this is necessary. should be available for handicapped persons. Beach guard(s) must be on duty during

On the beach there will be no driving the bathing season and/or adequate safety All beach buildings and equipment should unless it has been specifically authorized, no provisions made, including the provision of be properly maintained. bike or car races during the bathing season, life-saving equipment. no dumping and no unauthorized camping. First aid posts must be available and

There must be safe access to the beach clearly signposted.

S. There must be active management of National laws concerning dogs, horses conflicts that occur between users and and other domestic animals must be strictly between the uses made of the beach—for enforced on the beach. Their access and example, conflicts that arise between the activities must be controlled. need to protect the environment and the need for recreational uses. Zoning of

For similar reasons, the access of dogs, safety reasons. Where construction work horses and other domestic animals to the has to be carried out, care should be taken beach must be controlled. Although the to prevent public access and minimize risks Blue Flag campaign makes no detailed to beach users. requirements, it does insist that relevant national laws be observed. In most cases, Safety dogs should be banned from the beach area itself, and kept on leashes on all areas Safety from drowning must be assured immediately adjacent to the beach. either by the presence of lifeguards during the season or by appropriate life-saving It is also a guideline requirement that all equipment. The provision of such buildings and equipment on the beach be equipment is only one element in a safety properly maintained, for both aesthetic and strategy since the equipment must be

21 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

UK beach safety has been determined by

A.MI LM V EDWACM LA the Blue Flag operator in conlunction YPMUAZNM NENUL with the Royal Life Saving Society and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Highlights include: + flags used to identify areas patrolled - , V by lifeguards (red/yellow), surfing ut.*i. S .0. S _ areas (black/white), and dangerous &+ (red), caution (yellow) and calm NO aII (green) conditions; DONESTIOW + compulsory access to the beach for =1' emergency vehicles; + first aid facilities available during 10.00-18.00 on the sea front; *.* pop1 + daily beach supervision during Most of the Blue Flag crftena for beach 10.00-18.00; management and safety are summarized in + records kept of all emergency clearly displayed and signed, and it must be these signs, now commonfr found on many incidents; easily accessible—at intervals of every European beaches. •:• emergency plans drawn up to cope 100-200 metres, for example, where there with pollution incidents; are no lifeguards. + public telephones within a three- minute walk from anywhere on the Similarly the times of lifeguard attendance requirement, they should preferably be beach checked daily; and the areas they patrol should be manned, by qualified staff wearing easily + codes of conduct and laws governing publicized at the beach information point, distinguishable uniforms or with other beach use prominently displayed; and by flags or markers on the beach itself. distinguishing features. + information to be provided on Lifeguards must possess appropriate potential hazards such as dangerous qualifications for their job. Safety off the beach is almost important as fish, submerged objects, and in the sea, and means of access from car dangerous currents and tides; The availability of public telephones is only parks to the beach should also be safe. + safe access routes to the beach; a guideline requirement of the Blue Flag Where such paths are steep, tourists + beaches that are steeply shelved or campaign. Telephones should be checked should be given warning of this before have rip tides or strong daily and be within a three-minute walk beginning the descent. undercurrents are not accepted for from any point on the beach. Direct-line the Blue Flag award; phones to the police and local hospitals are On the beach itself, driving should always be + conflicting and incompatible needs of also a good idea. These are often best sited forbidden, except for official vehicles, and different users must be resolved by at first aid posts. bicycle races should be forbidden during the zoning. season. Dumping and unauthorized camping First aid posts are another Blue Flag must also be forbidden.

22 BLUE FLAG CRITERIA FOR BEACH SELECTION

It is important to provide designated zones ENVIRONMENTAL 'The Blue Flag campaign lays for different activities since some are INFORMATION AND considerable emphasis on dangerous to others: wind surfing and EDUCATION water skiing, for example, must not be education, training and the allowed where bathing is permitted. Beach The Blue Flag campaign lays considerable raising of public awareness. use zoning is a Blue Flag requirement emphasis on education, training and the wherever there is potential conflict raising of public awareness. The targets of The targets of these activities between, or dangers from different uses. these activities are visitors, schoolchildren, are visitors, schoolchildren, the the local population and all those who hold While the Blue Flag requirements for safety positions of responsibility in relation to the local population and all those are individually itemized, safety is best coastal environment. The overall aim is to who hold positions of tackled with an overall plan. The improve understanding and management of preparation of such a plan requires an initial the coastal environment. responsibility in relation to the risk assessment. Blue Flag national coastal environment The operators can provide information on how Other more immediate uses of information to make risk assessments. are also involved. Thus the first overall aim is to improve requirement is that prompt public warning understanding and be made if a beach becomes polluted or unsafe, for example as a result of a sudden management of the coastal discharge of storm water, rough sea environment.'

Essential criteria The responsible authority must: 6. Laws governing beach use and code of I. Prompt public warnings must be given if • display on or close to the beach updated conduct must be readily available to the the beach or a part of it is expected to, or information on water quality and the public on request (for example, in tourist has, become grossly polluted or otherwise location of sampling points: offices, the town hall or at first aid posts). unsafe. This requirement includes unsafe + display the Blue Flag criteria as close as conditions due to the discharge of storm possible to the location of the Blue Flag water. itself; and Guideline requirements + must remove the Blue Flag if any of the I. Environmental Interpretation Centres,

2. Information on protected sites and rare essential requirements is no longer Ecology Centres or similar permanent public or protected species in the area must be satisfied. or school environmental awareness places

publicly displayed and included in tourist should be available to those using the beach. information, except where such information The responsible authority must be able

might endanger the site or specimens. to demonstrate at least five educational Information must include a public code of activities related to the coastal environment.

conduct.

23 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

Public awareness Education + folders on the Blue Flag campaign, with + school visits to Blue Flag information advice on good behaviour in relation centres;

to the coastal environment, produced • excursions to the beach, the dunes and by the national organization and on boats; distributed by local communities; + elements of the national curriculum + popular book on bathing water quality devoted to the coastal environment. explaining regulations and parameters; + creation of Blue Flag information Training centres on the marine environment; + training for the long-term unemployed

+ guided tours in the coastal to become Blue Flag guides; environment; + regular theme meetings for laboratory

• tours at sea featuring marine biology personnel; and fishing technologies; + yearly meetings between local • guided tours of local wastewater government politicians and treatment plants. administrators, and Blue Flag officials.

conditions or algal blooms. This extremely rare species, such information Check list for environmental information requirement is the public information may be better withheld. This information is complement to the guideline requirement normally best displayed along with other on bathing water quality that stipulates that information on the site, which should Essential emergency pollution plans should exist. include: v public warning of gross pollution and Public warnings normally comprise notices unsafe conditions via the media, beach signs and display + data on bathing water quality; i/ information on protected sites and information at municipal and tourist offices. + location of car and bicycle parks; rare species + safety information;

v' public display of information on the The Blue Flag organizations require + codes of conduct, including restrictions

beach evidence that the interests of protected on domestic animals;

,/ at least five educational activities sites and rare or protected species have + the Blue Flag criteria;

relating to coastal environment been addressed. This normally involves + the Blue Flag national office address; and

liaison with local conservation + a map showing the area of the beach and

Guideline organizations. In most cases, information on the location of sampling points.

/ environmental awareness centres such sites and species should be publicly available to beach users displayed; however, where doing so would This information should be displayed at

endanger a fragile environment or an every commonly used access point to the

24 BLUE FLAG CRITERIA FOR BEACH SELECTION

beach, and at first aid and beach •. training decision makers and resource management posts. The Blue Flag campaign managers. also requires any beach that fails to continue to fulfil the Blue Flag criteria to Finally, the one guideline recommendation take down its Blue Flag. in this area is that those using the beach should be given access to such local

The final essential criterion relates to the organizations as Environmental basic aims of the FEEE and requires that the Interpretation Centres, Ecology Centres or beach authority partake in at least five similar permanent groups run by, for educational activities relating to the coastal example, local schools or local environment. These are intended to authorities.The box on the left, which promote FEEE activities by: describes Denmark's extensive activities in increasing awareness of and care for the the area of education and information,

coastal environment; provides good examples of the way in

training local people and tourism which this can be done. providers in matters relating to the environment; •. increasing participation in local decision

making in relation to the coastal environment; + promoting the sustainable use of the area for tourism and recreation; and

25 LESSONS FROM THE BLUE FLAG CAMPAIGN

SUCCESS OF The success of the Blue Flag campaign is Growth of the Blue Flag campaign THE CAMPAIGN due mainly to the principles on which the All countries campaign is based. These are: 095 The Blue Flag campaign has been a success. 050 Since it began in 1985, it has grown in size, + positive reinforcement, which highlights in coverage, in scope and in influence. The the achievements of the award-winning 950 bar charts on this and the following pages beaches; 893 chart the number of Blue Flag awards for + broad participation, involving numerous 853 beaches over the past II years, both in local and national groups on which all total and by country. The number of action depends; awards, of course, is neither the only + voluntary action, implying that those 710 indicator of success nor a totally accurate who volunteer to join accept the one. In some years, in some countries, the responsibility for complying with Blue number of awards has fallen, usually not as Flag criteria; 565 a result of any declining interest in the + independent operation, so that the campaign but because of increasingly strict award system cannot be influenced by award criteria. local or financial interests; 391 + continuous evolution, in that the

244

Bar chart above shows the growth in Blue Flog beoch awards during the period 1985-95. Since France and Italy make awards to local municipalities rather than individual beaches, the actual number of Blue Flags flown at individual beaches is higher than these figures suggest 1454 in 1994 and 1463 in 1995, for example. Figures include awards for natural inland waters.

Map on the left shows countries participating in the Blue Flag beach and natural inland waters campaign in 1995.

27

AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

Growth of the Blue Flag campaign selection criteria change with time, examine the possibility of Blue Flag leading to higher and broader standards; implementation at national and local levels. its international nature, which provides Suitable model or demonstration sites are Belgium (inc. inland waters) awards that have much greater selected. These are then improved and an 24 21 significance than would national or sub- evaluation of the pilot phase is carried out. national awards; and Countries that have carried out pilot + limited validity of awards for one year projects include Turkey (now a full only, which requires participants to member, and the first outside the European Bulgaria make continuous efforts to achieve the Union) which awarded 12 Blue Flags for standards set by the campaign. beaches in 1993, Sweden and Estonia, which participated for the first time in 1994 with The Blue Flag campaign is expanding in a pilot projects for marinas, and Slovenia. Denmark 173 168 169 139 - number of ways. It is encouraging pilot Cyprus and Bulgaria have also set up 128 129 89 JI[j projects in countries that are not yet part national Blue Flag operators and begin pilot of the campaign, with the object of projects in 1995. eventually making them full members. It is extending its activities from beaches and marinas to cover natural inland waters as NATURAL INLAND WATERS well. And, most importantly, it is Belgium has led the movement to Finland broadening its criteria to comply with its incorporate natural inland waters into the new focus on community policies on coastal Blue Flag system. The campaign there is run zones rather than individual beaches. by Bond Beter Leefmilieu, the Federation of

France (municipalities) the Flemish Environmental Movement, and 124 has industrial sponsorship. In 1994 the 1 87 107 103 104 78 61 76 82 PILOT PROJECTS national jury awarded Blue Flags to 7 of the 43 Pilot projects are undertaken to determine 15 applicants. The campaign's main aims are T:i1J Li j whether a new country has the facilities to raise public awareness of the needed to implement a Blue Flag campaign. recreational uses of natural inland waters Are there appropriate regulations, policies and to urge policy makers to pay special

Germany and capacities in relation to bathing water attention to water quality monitoring and 3 14 30 22 quality, safety, collection and disposal of wastewater management. The campaign LTIIIIIH hazardous wastes, environmental education includes the publication of leaflets on and land-use planning? These are important bathing in inland waters and guided nature questions because the Blue Flag campaign is walks round inland lakes. The success of Greece 287 282 aimed at both stimulating local action and this programme—and its potential 235 237 - improving national policy making in the importance—is likely to lead to further 78 areas covered by the Blue Flag criteria. efforts to include natural inland waters in P . the Blue Flag campaigns of other countries. 82 Once a Blue Flag operator has been Two regions of France have already begun created, it must identify the national and informal pilot projects on inland waters. regional partners with which it should work. The operator and its partners then

28

THE FUTURE OF THE BLUE FLAG CAMPAIGN

Growth of the Blue Flag campaign CONCERN FOR THE taking specific account of their own COASTAL ENVIRONMENT Ireland 48 66 54 61 55 66 situations. 36 While the Blue Flag campaign has always liL L been concerned with the coastal environment, its outlook is set to broaden RELEVANCE OF THE yet further in the future. By the turn of the BLUE FLAG APPROACH Italy (municipalities) 2536 43 33, 51 27 century it hopes to see a number of new The Blue Flag campaign has been highly HLI criteria taking effect. These are likely to effective in Europe. Some of the reasons include minimum levels of wastewater for this success are that: treatment which will depend on the Netherlands number of peak season users, a local •. the campaign started with simple 30 8 7 21 19 12 13 coastal area management plan, proof of criteria that were not too difficult to environmental impact assessment for new achieve;

projects and plans, and recycling schemes • the countries in the region agreed to Portugal 11 involving operators of the tourism industry opt for common criteria and standards; 107 101 96 102 96 74 68 in beach areas. •' common criteria were easier to agree 50 on and achieve since they already Issues such as these are vital to the future existed for bathing water quality in the

of coastal regions. When the Blue Flag form of an EC Directive; campaign first started, its criteria were •: local government plays important roles Spain 306 307 such that beaches located in communities in Europe which has enabled the

without adequate wastewater treatment campaign to raise community awareness 229i 206 could fly the Flag; so could clean beaches of the importance of the coastal 70 1 which made public waste dumps of the environment. I 06 20 hinterland immediately behind the beach. 65 Such issues can be tackled only if the When adapting the Blue Flag campaign to

campaign broadens its objectives—as it has non-European regions, regional- and now decided to do—to improve the country-specific issues and conditions environmental management of coastal (which may well be outside the European Sweden regions rather than just individual beaches. experience) should not be forgotten. The I campaign should be developed to respond

This is an issue of some importance to to local conditions and to address local

other regions or countries about to environmental priorities. Some of these Turkey 12 investigate their own equivalents of the issues are discussed in the next chapter. Blue Flag campaign. Should such

organizations start, as did the Blue Flag

campaign, by considering just water quality, United Kingdom

safety and beach cleanliness? Or should 18 17 22 29 35 17 20 17 18 they begin by tackling the larger issues?

Such questions can only be answered by

the regions and countries themselves,

29 DEVELOPING CAMPAIGNS OUTSIDE EUROPE

The Blue Flag campaign is essentially a are also vulnerable to the introduction of European programme, conceived initially for new species—in the I 960s the crown-of- the countries of the European Union (then thorns starfish, for example, destroyed the European Economic Community) but large areas of the Great Barrier Reef off 'The Blue Flag campaign now being expanded into East European eastern Australia. Fragile environments such has proved to be a valuable countries and countries that lie on the as this need special forms of protection. edges of Europe. The campaign has proved way of improving the coastal to be a valuable way of improving the Tropical beaches may also be nesting areas environmenL Similar award coastal environment. Similar award schemes for rare or endangered species, such as the

in other countries and regions could benefit Leatherback Turtle (Dermoche's coriacea) schemes in other countries greatly from the Blue Flag experience. and this may call for some restrictions. In and regions could benefit Trinidad and Tobago, for example, two of In adapting a scheme such as the Blue Flag the most famous beaches where turtles greatly from the Blue Flag campaign to countries and regions outside nest are prohibited areas during the nesting experience.' Europe, it is important to consider how to period of I March to 31 August. Permits to embrace the differences arising from: watch turtle nesting behaviour have to be purchased. Such permits, of course, are no physical and geographical differences guarantee of protection. between Europe and other regions; + social and economic differences between For these reasons, the protection of nature Europe and other regions; and and the environment must also be a strong + institutional and legal considerations. element in a scheme such as a Blue Flag campaign applied to tropical, equatorial This chapter considers these differences regions that are rich in biodiversity and and then provides advice on how best, which harbour unspoilt habitats for rare or under the conditions given, to adapt the even endangered species of both flora and Blue Flag campaign to new countries and fauna. In addition, while Europe is now regions. Such schemes would have the same characterized by a predominantly urbanized aims as the European Blue Flag campaign coastal zone, this is less likely to be the but would be developed as regional and case in developing countries. However, the independent initiatives. potential for growth in such countries and the attraction of their exotic and unspoilt nature for tourism do present potential THE IMPORTANCE threaths to the coastal environment. Thus OF GEOGRAPHY when adapting a scheme such as the Blue Continents or regions that include tropical, Flag campaign to these areas, a primary equatorial beaches differ markedly from objective must be that the scheme can those in Europe, even those on the ensure careful management of the Mediterranean. Coral reefs are a feature of envisioned development and that the many such beaches and, indeed, a potential impacts of development and use considerable attraction for tourists. Coral of beaches for tourism are taken into reefs are not only easily damaged but they account.

31 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

Conditions on tropical beaches differ in economically, culturally and socially other ways. Some may be in active sustainable as well. A primary objective of earthquake zones, and many lie on the any adaptation of a Blue-Flag-type campaign track of tropical storms, including cyclones to other regions and countries must be to and tornadoes. Such beaches obviously ensure coordination and dialogue between require advanced early warning systems if the local population and economic and they are to be safe. Others are exposed to development interests such as tourism. forms of marine life, including both jellyfish and sharks, that are dangerous to those Finally, the chemica! and physical conditions using the water. Many tropical beaches of the bathing water may be difficult to need careful monitoring for the presence of monitor because of a complete or partial dangerous forms of marine life. Schemes lack of the analytical facilities needed for like the Blue Flag campaign would have to routine monitoring. Note that the absence find means of dealing with natural hazards. of such analytical facilities does not necessarily make a beach any less safe, nor Some of the problems encountered on its waters any less clean. It does, however, European beaches are likely to be more mean that for coastal areas being developed 'Community organizations severe in tropical areas. Agal blooms, for for urbanization or tourism, there is no example, are likely to be more common in system of monitoring to provide data on nearly always exist to warmer waters where there is an excess of water quality. represent local interests but nutrients, and care would need to be used in monitoring for algae and the dermatitis In such cases the best alternative may be to such village-based and toxic effects sometimes associated with introduce some form of routine monitoring organizations rarely have the them. of the water combined with strong restrictions on the proximity of wastewater experience needed to conduct In Europe, the bathing season is limited to and sewage discharges to the beach and anything as complicated as a the summer months. In the tropics there coastline. Restrictions on the proximity of may ne no seasonality nor any natural break wastewater and sewage discharges must, Blue Flag campaign.' in the holiday season. Thus the adaptation however, not be designed so that diversion of an award scheme such as the Blue Flag of wastewater away from tourism areas and campaign to tropical regions and countries beaches to areas and beaches used by the would have to take account of how to local population is encouraged. The local structure the award system when there is population may well be fishing from the no natural period of time in which the beach and using the beach for swimming. award can be said to be valid. At the same time, the influence of private interest The risk of becoming infected from eating activities on the development and use of shellfish and fish from sewage-affected the coastal zone must be balanced with the waters is much greater than the risk needs and interests of the local population. associated with bathing. Thus part of any Tourism development must be sustainable, scheme like the Blue Flag Campaign should by which is meant that it must be not only be to introduce such monitoring of bathing ecologically sustainable but also water quality as would be adequate in view

32 DEVELOPING CAMPAIGNS OUTSIDE EUROPE

of potential pollution levels. Such sustainable, by which is meant that it must monitoring serves not only to ensure the be not only ecologically sustainable but also safety of visiting tourists but also that of economically, culturally and socially local populations and thus contributes to sustainable. A primary objective of any their quality of life. adaptation of the Blue Flag campaign to other regions and countries must be to ensure coordination and dialogue between SOCIAL AND the local population and economic and

ECONOMIC ISSUES development interests such as tourism.

The Blue Flag campaign depends to a great extent on local authority initiatives. In This is especially the case when beaches

Europe, the local authority wields support marine communities that live on considerable power. Elsewhere, this is not or near the beach and rely on marine necessarily the case; indeed, in some resources for their subsistence. Such regions local authorities are extremely communities often have a complicated weak or even non-existent. Community relationship with beach tourism, which is organizations nearly always exist to both a source of additional income and a represent local interests but such village- potential threat to the area's marine based organizations rarely have the resources and traditional lifestyles. experience needed to conduct anything as Development plans for such areas must complicated as a Blue Flag campaign. To resolve these potential conflicts. Beach complicate matters still further, the private tourism damaged traditional fishing sector often plays a more major role in practices in many parts of Europe, beach development than it does in Europe. particularly the Mediterranean, but when

Outside Europe, particularly in Asia, resort these effects first began to occur, little owners often buy the right to control thought was given to their long-term beach use and access. While this reduces implications or their consequences for the the potential role of local government even coastal environment. The Blue Flag further, it does provide an additional campaign thus has little experience in this potential partner for award schemes which area on which to draw. may therefore have to target the resort owner from the private sector. Other On the economic front, coastal award possible targets include local tourist campaigns are relatively costly. National organizations. In many developing regions, costs, as in Europe, can be financed by hotel associations could play active roles in grants from national and regional coastal award campaigns. government organizations, sponsorship by

industry, fees from applicants, the sale of

At the same time, the influence of the Blue Flags and Blue Flag membership fees. private sector on the development and use Where there is a need for industrial of the coastal zone must be balanced with sponsorship, care will need to be taken to the needs and interests of the local ensure that such sponsorship is not able to population. Tourism development must be influence the award-winning process. On the

33 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

'The first step is to conduct an other hand, it may well be possible to schemes must take account of local persuade different government organizations conditions and there will therefore be initial feasibility study to to finance different aspects of the campaign. differences in approach in different regions discover whether a campaign In Turkey, for example, the Ministry of and countries. However, the Blue Flag Tourism finances the cost of water quality experience suggests that attempts to set up is needed and, if it is, whether analysis. similar movements outside Europe need to those likely to be involved consider a number of items before making any commitments. These items are would welcome the campaign INSTITUTIONAL AND summarized in the checklist box on the and cooperate to make1 it LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS right. The text below provides more detail Coastal award campaigns like the Blue Flag on each of these subjects. work.' campaign, whether being established within or outside Europe, will need to find Conduct a feasibility study answers to the following questions: The first step is to conduct an initial + which agencies have jurisdiction over feasibility study to discover whether a coastal zones? campaign is needed and, if it is, whether •• to what extent do these agencies those likely to be involved would welcome interact and cooperate? the campaign and cooperate to make it • what regulations and standards govern work The feasibility study should the sustainable use of coastal investigate: resources—for example, are there coastal building regulations, limitations + whether coastal tourism is sufficiently on fishing rights, water quality standards, important in the country or region to rights of public access to beaches' justify the effort of mounting a campaign • how effectively are these regulations or whether local environmental enforced? conditions could be significantly V conduct a feasibility study + how developed are local capacities to improved through a campaign aimed at V identify a coordinating organization run a campaign for improving the coastal local communities; V find a funding source environment—are there fcilities, for • the extent to which local communities V define the scope and extent of the example, for monitoring bathing water rely on coastal resources for their daily campaign quality? subsistence; V set award-winning criteria + who has jurisdiction over coastal areas V begin to raise public awareness by If regulations are totally lacking, or if they and resources, whether those involved calling for applications for a pilot are rarely enforced, it will be more difficult interact and cooperate with one scheme to define the award criteria. However, another, and whether they would V select beaches for the pilot scheme where there is a lack of regulations support a campaign; V analyse results of the pilot scheme, voluntary schemes can be quite effective. •* whether those responsible for the correct shortcomings and finalize the operation of tourist beaches would criteria support the campaign; V launch the campaign A CHECKLIST FOR ACTION + what regulations exist on water quality As already mentioned, coastal award and whether they could form the basis

34 DEVELOPING CAMPAIGNS OUTSIDE EUROPE

of some of the initial criteria; exert undue influence. In developing what local capacities exist to develop, countries it is likely that some funding will manage and monitor the campaign; have to be provided by the applicants in the + how much the scheme might Cost and form of application or membership fees. In how it could be financed; the first instance, such fees should be kept •• the scope of the campaign and the areas low in order to encourage applications. where it might operate; and When a scheme becomes established, and how the public is likely to react to the the award has gained public recognition, campaign. fees may be increased. As we have seen, in Europe some countries, including the United Kingdom, make extensive use of Choose or set up the fees to finance their operations. Others rely organizing institution almost solely on government or industrial The feasibility study should identify the grants. organizing institution that could be used to run the campaign. This should be a non- Define the scope and extent government organization. If the scheme is of the campaign to involve several countries, there will need to be an international coordinator as well The feasibility study is used to define both as national operators for the scheme. The the scope of the campaign and the areas latter are best based on existing institutions where it will operate. A more detailed already connected with the coastal analysis is now needed, including the environment. When selected, the national preparation of an inventory of tourist and operator will need to appoint a national community beaches, the resources available committee, comprising representatives to them and the environmental conditions from all those organizations that appear prevailing at each site. This information will likely to have an interest in the campaign, provide an overview of the current including those responsible, for instance, for situation and will help in defining the award- water quality monitoring, coastal winning criteria and in selecting the beaches development, tourism and safety. This likely to be involved in the pilot schemes. committee will conduct the pilot schemes and can later form the basis of a national If it is concluded that the Blue Flag jury. campaign, with its four areas of concern (environmental education and information, coastal quality, beach services and safety, Estimate costs and find a funding source and water quality) is the award scheme that should be implemented, the use of the Funds may be available from either a state name and logo of the Blue Flag campaign or a private source, or indeed from both. A must be condoned by FEEE as the owner of diversity of funding sources may be more the campaign. difficult to administer but is less likely to give any one body or industry the chance to

35 'Public communication and Set award-winning criteria points to investigate. information dissemination are Detailed information on individual beaches + Are there sufficient trained staff to vital to the success of the is needed to finalize the criteria used in collect the samples, using standard making the awards. These should attempt procedures, and store them under cold campaign, which in the last to tackle the most important environmental conditions until collection? analysis is aimed at improving problems first. However, criteria should not 9 Is there a nearby independent laboratory be out of reach of most of the applicants. qualified to carry out the analysis, with conditions for the general They can always be (and should be) trained staff and adequate equipment? public that uses coastal strengthened as the campaign gathers + Can the samples be transported to the popularity. laboratory sufficiently quickly so that resources.' they can be analysed within at most four It is important that the inputs of all those hours of being collected? If not, can a concerned with the campaign be taken into mobile laboratory be created? account when setting the initial criteria. Key + Can the laboratory prepare the MAIE. actors will include the scientific community, necessary written reports and deliver local authorities, the tourism industry them to the beach or municipality within (including private sector resource owners a specified time? and beach managers) and local community groups. The criteria should: Even where laboratories are totally lacking, however, some provision will have to be 9 address priority environment and made for water quality monitoring, even if

'1 PONTI1TE TIZ AKTEZ MAZ tourism issues; the initial requirements are minimal. Failure i KEEP OUR BEACHES 9 be attainable; to plan for water quality monitoring, even , CLEAN

RAP 'lP,4 flpOL + be specified in advance; (or particularly) where water quality is FLAGS 9 form the basis for awards that are time- currently good, is an invitation to pollution. limited, usually to a year or a season; Answers to these questions will help define 9 be capable of being monitored and the initial requirements and assess the need PAJA controlled; and to develop technical infrastructures and 9 be simple to implement (at the outset). train personnel.

LO The most complex questions concern bathing water quality, the foundation stone Begin to raise public awareness on which the European Blue Flag campaign The easiest way to raise public awareness in was built. Lack of analytical laboratories and the first instance is to invite applications for common regional standards may make this a pilot scheme. This is best done by important issue more difficult to address announcements in the press and on the than it was in Europe. The WHO Regional radio, and by correspondence with the Centre for Europe has made a detailed relevant local authorities. Feature articles analysis of the requirements for water on the campaign should be written before Examples of Blue Flog publicity from Greece quality monitoring for the Black Sea region applications are sought because the first and Finland. (see References). There are four major announcement will certainly solicit

36 DEVELOPING CAMPAIGNS OUTSIDE EUROPE

invitations for in-depth information from years, the number of applicants will double local and national newspapers. A simple annually, as happened with the Blue Flag BLAUE FLAGGE guide or handbook on how to get started campaign in Europe. für Hafefl [] at local level should be made available to IL potential applicants. The general public will also need information brochures, which will CONDITIONS FOR SUCCESS later be distributed to those sites that win Experience with the Blue Flag campaign in the award. Examples of such brochures are Europe suggests that there are a number of shown on this and the facing page. pre-conditions for the success of schemes to improve the coastal environment. These Select beaches for pilot scheme are as follows.

Once the first applications have been received, an initial selection can be made. It + The campaign must be honest, is important, however, not to include any transparent and credible. This is easier beaches where conditions are such that to achieve if an independent body they could later result in bad publicity. One coordinates the campaign, and if of the features of the success of the Blue decisions on the awards are made by an Flag campaign is that virtually all the independent committee. publicity the campaign has received has + The award-winning criteria must be been positive. If possible, the beaches clearly defined in advance and founded selected should be representative of the on reasonable premises. The awards range of beaches likely to be involved in a must be capable of being withdrawn if E successful campaign. the criteria cease to be fulfilled. Awards, in any case, should not be valid for more than one year. C, Analyse results of pilot scheme The campaign should first tackle important but easily implementable —1 When the first season is completed, the 11. results of the pilot scheme can be issues. What is important must be analysed. This is the time to fine tune the defined by local actors not by outside —1 criteria, to correct the shortcomings of experts. As the campaign evolves, it the pilot scheme and to identify the should incorporate additional criteria lessons learned. and widen its scope. The aim should be C for continuous improvement. + The approach must be positive and must Launch the campaign appear to be positive.

The launch of the campaign needs to be + Efforts must be made to involve all the finely orchestrated so that the flags or users of coastal zones. Examples of Blue Flag publicity from Denmark other awards are displayed on award- + Sufficient trained staff must exist to run and Sweden. winning beaches on the same day, with local the campaign, or facilities must be found ceremonies and with as much publicity as to provide the required training. possible in the local and national press. This + Public communication and information will ensure that, at least for the first few dissemination are vital to the success of

37 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

the campaign, which in the last analysis is will diminish the chances of success for aimed at improving conditions for the subsequent schemes. general public that uses coastal resources. The scheme cannot succeed if The scope and the requirements of new the public is not made aware of its campaigns will have to defined according to existence and its achievements. prevailing conditions in the countries and regions concerned. As the history of the European Blue Flag campaign shows, it is CONCLUSIONS best to start with a few well-defined Future award schemes modelled on the requirements and then to expand them Blue Flag campaign may have to tackle many over the years, keeping in mind the of the same problems as were encountered conditions for success that have been in the beginning in Europe but they may developed in this report. also have to deal with issues of which the European campaign has no experience. Moreover, countries which are interested Differences between European and non- in developing award schemes inspired by European countries, particularly those in the European Blue Flag campaign should developing regions, with respect to consult IEEE. The national operator geography, social and economic conditions, organizations of the countries participating and institutional and legal bases require in the European Blue Flag campaign harbour 'The scope and the special consideration. However, it is a wealth of experience and insight in setting requirements of new important that those charged with the up and running coastal award schemes. elaboration of new schemes make campaigns will have to be maximum benefit of the knowledge already Together with the International Blue Flag defined according to prevailing gained. New schemes will have to be self- Coordinator situated in Denmark, teams of financing but they should be organized to national operators and, where relevant, conditions in the countries and benefit as much as possible from the other representatives of the European Blue regions concerned. As the experience gained in the Blue Flag campaign Flag countries, could advise interested and in other similar activities. Later, when countries in other parts of the world. history the European Blue of more than one new campaign has been Flag campaign shows, it is launched, there should be considerable opportunity for south-south technical best to start with a few well- cooperation. As in all development projects, defined requirements and then the exchange of experience is a key to success. to expand them over the years ...' The sharing of information and experience is particularly critical since new award schemes must be extremely carefully prepared. Such schemes must be well planned and well executed or they will fail for lack of credibility. In the process, they

38 ADDRESSES

European Commission fax: +33 I 44 37 14 74 Rue de Ia Loi 200 UNEP Regional Coordinating Unit Director General Xl (Environment) for East Asian Seas B- I 049 Brussels 10th Floor, United Nations Building Belgium Rajdamnern Avenue Bangkok 10200 tel: +32 2 29 92300 Thailand fax: +3222990310 tel: 66 2 2678 007 fax: 66 2 267 8008 Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (FEEE) International Blue Flag Coordination UNEP Regional Coordinating Unit for the Olof Palmes Gade 10 Caribbean Environment Programme DK2 100 Copenhagen 0 14-20 Port Royal Street Denmark Kingston Jamaica tel: +45 (31) 42 32 22 fax: +45 (31) 42 34 78 tel: +18099229267 fax: +1 809 922 9292

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission US Environmental Protection Agency UNESCO 401 M Street SW I Rue Miollis Washington, D.C. 20460 75732 Paris Cedex IS United States France tel: +12022605917 tel: +33 I 45 68 39 80 fax:+l 202 260 3923 fax: +33 1 40 56 93 16

WHO Collaborating Centre for Environ- UNEP Coordinating Unit for the mental Health Promotion and Ecology Mediterranean Action Plan (MEDU) Department of Epidemiology and Public Leoforos Vassileos Konstantinou 48 Health Medicine P0 Box 18019 University of Bristol GR 116 10 Athens Bristol BS8 2PR Greece United Kingdom tel: +30 I 725 3190-5 tel: +44 117 928 7256 fax: +30 I 725 3196-7 fax: +44 117 928 7204

UNEP Industry and Environment Centre WHO Regional Office for Africa 39-43 quai André Citroën P0 Box No. 6 75015 Paris Brazzaville France Congo tel: +33 1 44 37 1450 tel: +242 839111

kM AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

fax: +242 839400 WHO Regional Office for the Americas WHO Regional Office for Europe Pan American Sanitary Bureau Scherfigsvej 8 Pan American Health Organization DK-2 100 Copenhagen 525, 23rd Street NW Denmark Washington DC 20037 United States tel: +45 39 17 13 46 fax: +45 39 17 18 78 tel: +1 202861 3200 fax:+l 202 223 5971

WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean World Health Organization P0 Box 1517 Division of Environmental Health Alexandria 21511 20 Avenue Appia Arab Republic of Egypt CH-l21 I Geneva 27 Switzerland tel: +20 3 482 0223 fax: +20 3 483 8916 tel: +41 (22) 791 3760 fax: +41 (22) 791 4123

WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific World Tourism Organization P0 Box 2932 Capitan Haya, 42 Manila 28020 Madrid Philippines Spain

tel: +632521 8421 tel: +34 (I) 571 0628 fax: +632521 1036 fax: +34 (I) 571 3733

WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia World Health House Indraprastha Estate Mahatma Gandhi Road New Delhi 110002 India

tel: +91 11 331 7804 fax: +91 11 331 8607

40 REFERENCES

CEE. Directive du Conseil N° 761160 du 8 in Tourist Resorts. In International Journal of decembre 1975 concernant Ia qualite des eaux Occupational Medicine and Environmental de baignade. CEE, Bruxelle, Belgium, 1975. Health, Vol. 7, No. 3, 207-219, 1994.

CEE. Proposition de directive du Conseil relative RoSPA/RLSS. Safety on British Beaches: a Ia qualite des eaux de baignade. CEE, operational guidelines. United Kingdom, 1993. Bruxelle, Belgium, 1994 (94/C 112/03). UNEP IE. Marine Pollution from Land-based

Clark, J. R. Integrated Management of Coastal Sources. In Industry and Environment, Zones. FAQ, Rome, 1992, FAQ Fisheries January—June 1992, Vol. 15, Nos. 1-2, 1992. Technical Paper No. 327. UNEP. Guidelines for Integrated Management ESCAP. Technical Workshop on the Protection of Coastal and Marine Areas, with special of the Marine Environment and Related reference to the Mediterranean Basin. UNEP Ecosystems: marine environmental problems Regional Seas Reports and Studies No. 161, and issues in the ESCAP region. ESCAP, Split, Croatia, PAP/RAC (MAP-UNEP), 1995. Bangkok, Thailand, June 1985. UNEP/IOC. Caribbean Environment FEEE. The Blue Flag Campaign: the awards of Programme Report on the CEPPOL Regional 1994, FEEE, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1995. Workshop on Coastal Water Quality Criteria and Effluent Guidelines for the Wider Caribbean. FEEE. The National Blue Flag Campaigns: a UNEP/IOC, San Juan, Puerto rico, 1990. collection of fact sheets. FEEE, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1996. UNEP/IOC. Caribbean Environment Programme Report on the CEPPOL Seminar on Helmer, Richard. Recreational Water Quality: Monitoring and Control of Sanitary Quality of report of a symposium on sea tourism and Bathing and Shellfish-growing Marine Waters in health, Rimini, Italy, 26-28 May 1994. the Wider Caribbean. UNEP/IOC, Kingston, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland, 1994. Jamaica, 1991.

McIntyre, George. Sustainable Tourism WHO Regional Office for Europe, Development guide for local planners. WTO, European Centre for Environment and Madrid, 1993. Health. Manual for Recreational Water and Beach Quality Monitoring and Assessment. Philipp, R. Risk Assessment and Copenhagen, Denmark, April 1995, draft, Microbiological Hazards Associated with prepared in support of the Black Sea Recreational Waer Sports. In Reviews in Environmental Programme. Medical Microbiology, 2, 208-214, 1991. World Bank. The Noordwjk Guidelines for Philipp, Robin, and Hodgkinson, Grace. The Integrated Coastal Zone Management World Management of Health and Safety Hazards Bank, Washington DC, United States, 1993.

41 ANNEX: THE GROUPS OF CRITERIA IN THE EUROPEAN BLUE FLAG CAMPAIGN

A beach eligible for the Blue Flag is one for Criterion 18 requires that the use of which it has been chosen by the authorities the beach and surroundings for to actively encourage visitors. This decision recreation and tourism does not must have been based on a consideration of jeopardize the natural environment; the capacity and sensitivity of the beach and and its immediate hinterland. the types of recreational activities demanded by the visitors and their It is necessary for the local authorities to compatibility with each other and with consider, given the existing and expected the surrounding natural environment load of visitors, and the available resources for beach management and related environmental management, how large an WATER QUALITY area will be designated for the Blue Flag. I. To be eligible for entry a beach must comply with the standards of In defining the extent or delimitation of the the Blue Flag for bathing water areas and the amount of services and quality. facilities to offer, local planners should take the following into account: Guideline Bathing Water must meet the mandatory and guideline standards for the the number of day visitors on average faecal and total coliform parameters and the and at peak; guideline standard for faecal streptococci. whether visitors come and go during the day or they stay at the beach for A beach must have at least one sampling the whole day; site but, more importantly, the number and the entire length of beach area visited location of sampling sites must reflect the and neighbouring to a potential Blue location of potential sources of pollution- Flag beach, examining the likelihood of both direct and diffuse. spill-over effects (facilities and services drawing users from neighbouring 2. No industrial or sewage discharges unmanaged beaches, litter from affecting the beach area. The neighboring unmanaged beaches National Operator's Office should affecting the managed beach, etc.); be notified of any discharge points the need to provide different types of in the area of the presented beach. beaches for visitors with different habits and tastes; The presence of a discharge point does not the setting of the beach—geology and necessarily eliminate the beach from geomorphology, flora and fauna, and consideration. landscapes of sensitivity and special interest or with protected status- It is, however, necessary that sampling sites

43 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

as mentioned in I. are located so as to related or other waste matter determine whether outlets affect the including litter and no discharge of hygienic bathing water quality. industrial or urban waste.

Regarding industrial pollution, the national If the beach is so located as to be affected operator office must be notified of outlets by sewage-related, run-off waste or waste

in the vicinity of the beach. Moreover, the originating from the sea remedial actions appropriate authorities must document in a must be taken (at best removal of sources, statement that: other alternatives include regular collection the influence of the potential pollution and removal at sea and on land). is being monitored; and

it does not pose a public health hazard. In a litter and gross pollution context, it is

important for the local authorities and

beach managers to think holistically and not Beach and intertidal area merely to focus on the single beach Local emergency plans to cope contesting for the Blue Flag. with pollution incidents.

The litter on such a beach has many Where there is a written emergency sources, neighbouring beaches, the sea- procedure it should be submitted with the cruise ships, private yachts, dumping from application. The public should be informed other ships, via rivers to the sea—and the of pollution or potential danger by the hinterland. posting of information at the Information

Point through the media or other relevant These sources should be identified and methods of communication. In order to appropriate mitigating and remedial actions protect the integrity of the Blue Flag and taken. beach management it is crucial that the flag be taken down if there is any infringement No oil pollution. of the criteria, e.g. sewage pollution.

The beach must be monitored for such The beach and immediate pollution, and emergency plans devised in hinterland must comply with case a beach is deemed particularly official development plans and susceptible (see criterion 3.) planning laws.

Municipal land-side sources must also be

Siting of facilities and use of the area must identified and managed. be subject to planning guidelines which include environmental assessments. These No algal or other vegetation guidelines and/or regulations must be met materials accumulating or by the applicant. decaying.

S. No gross pollution by sewage- Algal vegetation is generally accepted as

Ul ANNEX: THE EUROPEAN BLUE FLAG CRITER)A

referring to seaweed. Whilst small amounts conservation organizations or other local of seaweed are inevitable it should not be resource interests have been approached allowed to accumulate, and become a for advice and problems addressed. hazard or distasteful to the public. It may be that the fragility of certain environments will preclude them from this

INFORMATION sort of award on the grounds that greater AND EDUCATION visitor numbers would endanger habitats,

Prompt public warning if the beach, wildlife and flora, and landscapes or or part thereof, has, or is expected geology. to, become grossly polluted or unsafe. This requirement includes Public displays of the discharge of storm water, and bathing water quality with should also include incidences of updated information on water algal blooms. quality car and bicycle parks

This criterion is naturally closely connected safety information including

to criterion 3. These two criteria represent times of first aid, lifeguard

two different aspects of the same attendance and area patrolled (if requirement: local emergency plans. One relevant) deals with the monitoring and remediation local codes of conduct including

that must be accounted for in such a plan. restrictions regarding domestic This criterion deals with the public animals

information side of the same plan. • Blue Flag criteria + Blue Flag National Office

Contingency plans must be devised to address

broadcast warnings to the public, both •• map delineating the area of the through the media and through the awarded beach and location of provision of signs on the beach and at sampling points. municipal and tourist offices. This information should be displayed at Evidence that the interests of every reasonable access point to the beach. protected sites and rare or protected species have been 11/13. The municipality should be able addressed, for example with close to demonstrate that it liaison with recognized local encourages promotional and conservation organizations. educational activities throughout the year relating to

Some sites may prove environmentally the coastal environment in the delicate and require particular management area.

techniques in which case evidence must be

provided to show that recognized local Environmental education activities promote

45 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

the aims of the Blue Flag Campaign by: when leaving the beach at the end of the day. + increasing the awareness and care for the coastal environment of its When choosing and locating bins the recreational and livelihood users: following points should be considered: + training personnel and providers of touristic services in environmental + bin capacity; matters; + type and source of litter; + increasing the participation of local volume of pedestrian traffic; interests in coastal zone environmental + servicing methods and intervals management decisions and promoting including peak times; the sustainable use of the area for + local environment, e.g. potential strong recreation and tourism; and winds, high tides, scavenging seagulls; + training decision makers and resource and managers. accessibility, e.g. height, surface.

12. Laws covering beach use and IS. Adequate cleansing of the beach. appropriate codes of conduct easily available to the public at Litter should not be allowed to accumulate tourist and municipal offices. or be unsightly and must comply with any national guidelines.

CLEANSING Provisions must be made for regular 14. Appropriate litter bins in surveying and cleansing of the beach. Local adequate numbers, properly planners should also consider the impact of secured and regularly maintained, neglected neighboring beaches. Thus it is emptied at least daily. recommended that not only Blue Flag beaches but all community beaches are Litter bins should be covered and of a cleaned on a regular basis. suitable character and appearance. When located on the beach as opposed to by access roads, 25 metres is the MANAGEMENT recommended minimum interval between 16. Prohibition of unauthorized receptacles although numbers may vary driving, dumping and camping. according to the bin capacity, numbers of users and the effect of the tide on the area Where there are no physical barriers of the beach. preventing access to the beach by vehicles there should be a prohibition of Another solution is to have larger unauthorized driving, dumping or camping receptacles located at beach access points. about which there should be information Such an approach necessitates inducing displayed. beach visitors to bring their litter with them

46 ANNEX: THE EUROPEAN BLUE FLAG CRITERIA

In case prohibiting driving on the beach is Bicycle paths are encouraged whenever an unreasonable limitation to access for relevant. example on very wide beaches, cars on the beach must be managed through the Similarly there should be provisions for designation of areas for driving and parking. appropriate means of car and bicycle Cars must be prohibited from the water to parking. a certain distance up on the beach and there should be a car-free area on the 18. Manage the conflicting and beach. incompatible needs of different users, e.g. zoning for swimmers,

Similarly, alternative means of bringing surfers, windsurfers, motorized visitors to the beach such as shuttles or craft, nature conservation. encouraging biking must be planned for. Swimmers should be protected from all sea 17125. Easy and safe access to the craft. Distinctions should be made between beach for all including disabled motorized craft, e.g. personal water craft people where this is possible. users, water skiers and powercraft users, and should be separated from paddle or sail

There should be safe access to the beach craft. and resort facilities from the car and bicycle parks with controlled traffic flow on any Consideration should also be given to intervening roads. potential noise nuisances from some activities (particularly motorized activities).

The car park surface must be in good order. Reserved spaces for disabled Zoning planning should be enforced by person's parking must be clearly marked clear signs at information points, entry and give easy access to the resort facilities. points to access channels, explicit reference in literature and by buoyed lanes.

Where it is absolutely necessary to park on the beach it must be safe, controlled, clearly Similarly, conflicts between recreational marked and defined (see 16.). Parking on uses and nature conservation concerns the beach should never be allowed on must be considered and managed. It is narrow beaches. unacceptable if recreational activities induce environmental degradatio, for example Access paths must be safe, with regulation increased coastal erosion, elimination of of other traffic and the securing of steps, vegetation, tearing of seaweed from the etc. Consideration should be given to the seabottom by anchoring leisure boats and sensitivity of landscapes and flora in pollution from their toilet tanks, planning such paths. Whenever possible disturbance of birds and other fauna by access must be provided for disabled motorcraft and noise, and divers extracting people. submarine wildlife.

47 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

Thus it may be necessary to restrict, visible and located at regular intervals disperse or otherwise manage certain permitting them to be reached quickly from activities both for the sake of the any point on the beach. Intervals of enjoyment and safety of other visitors and 100-200 m are recommended on a beach for the sake of protecting the surrounding without lifeguards. All equipment should be nature. regularly inspected.

Adequate toilet facilities, cleaned The times and area patrolled by lifeguards and maintained daily, including should be clearly defined and marked. facilities for disabled people. Lifeguards should hold appropriate The number of toilet facilities available must qualifications from an appropriate and take into consideration the maximum recognized training and assessment agents number of visits expected at the beach at and tested by qualified, independent any one time. assessors.

Facilities for disabled people may be Lifeguards should only be employed for this restricted by the use of a RADAR key. particular task and not in combination with Access to toilet facilities must be safe with duties such as water sports rentals and no hindrance or interference from vehicular services, cleaning or other. traffic.

It is recommended that lifeguards bear Sewage from such facilities must not enter uniforms or other signia making them easily the ground or the sea untreated. recognizable on a crowded beach.

Consideration should also be given to the Bathing areas patrolled by lifeguards should appearance of the toilet facilities. As for be explicit. The area should be defined both other buildings in the beach area, they on the map at the information point and should be well integrated with the built and physically on the beach with markers or natural environment. flags. The following recognized flag zoning is recommended:

SAFETY red = danger Lifeguards on duty during the red/yellow = lifeguard-patrolled areas summer season and/or adequate black/white = surfing only provision including lifesaving equipment. unless a national flag zoning system already exists. The provision of rescue equipment should be seen only as one element of an overall An additional complementary flag system to strategy. Where rescue equipment is warn of the condition of the sea has been provided, it should be clearly positioned, adopted in many countries and follows the

48 ANNEX: THE EUROPEAN BLUE FLAG CRITERIA

traffic light colour code: - emergency provision including public rescue equipment, first aid points, red = danger telephones, vehicular access points; yellow = caution + Blue Flag criteria. green = calm Where the supervisory role is taken on by It is imperative that local planners the lifeguard, the over-seeing of the beach undertake a risk assessment of the beaches, should not detract from the specific if possible assisted by the appropriate responsibilities of a lifeguard. A beach national authority or expert body in order officer/supervisor should also be visible, to define the appropriate response strategy. mobile and able to summon appropriate aid, monitor pollution, provide information for 21. Clearly sign-posted First Aid the public. facilities must be available. It is recommended that a record be kept of First-aid facilities can be manned or simply all emergency incidents and that the in the form of easily-accessible equipment. National Operator's office is notified of any It is strongly recommended that busy significant incidents. These records should beaches or family beaches has manned first- be available for inspection on request. aid stations. Logically such first-aid personnel should have appropriate A standardized form for reporting qualifications. emergency and rescue incidents should be used. It is also recommended, particularly on busy beaches, that there is daily beach Dogs must be banned from the supervision throughout the high season. award area throughout the high This may be through attendant lifeguards, a season. first aid officer, beach officer or a combination. Dogs must be kept on a lead and under control on all adjoining or abutting areas All beach personnel should be readily throughout the bathing season. National identifiable and conversant, through laws concerning dogs, horses and other appropriate training, with the following: domestic animals must be strictly enforced and their access and activities must, under supervision duties and requirements; all circumstances, be controlled. + potential local hazards including - location of hazards, access points, A clearly marked and protected zones, public rescue equipment source of drinking water. - preventative strategies including details of flag systems, safety The source of fresh drinking water can be information provision, seasonal/daily within the toilet facilities block or on the variations in levels of provision sea front but must be protected from birds

49 AWARDS FOR IMPROVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT

and other animals. This can be in the form construction work which must not of a drinking fountain. detract from the enjoyment of the beach user. 24. Public telephones which must be checked daily, within easy access Any construction work or hazardous (5 minutes walk) from any point derelict structures should be enclosed to of the award beach. prevent ready access by the public, particularly small children. The requirement for telephones is primarily for emergency purposes. They should be Consideration should also be given to the clearly signed and accessible to the public at appearance of structures by the beach. all time. They should whenever possible (new construction) be well integrated with the 26. All buildings and equipment must natural and built environment, according to be maintained to a high standard design and environmental standards. and, where practicable, there must be safe confinement of all

50 ABOUT UNEP INDUSTRY AND ENVIRONMENT

The Industry and Environment centre was established by UNEP in 1975 to bring industry and government together to promote environmentally sound industrial development. UNEP IE is located in Paris and its goals are to:

I. encourage the incorporation of environmental criteria in industrial and tourism development plans; facilitate the implementation of procedures and principles for the protection of the environment' promote the use of safe and clean technologies; and stimulate the exchange of information and experience throughout the world.

UNEP lE provides access to practical information and develops cooperative on-site action and information exchange backed by regular follow-up and assessment. To promote the transfer of information and the sharing of knowledge and experience, UNEP IE has developed three complementary tools: technical reviews and guidelines; Industty and Environment—a quarterly review, and a technical query-response service. In keeping with its emphasis on technical cooperation, UNEP IE facilitates technology transfer and the implementation of practices to safeguard the environment through promoting awareness and interaction, training and diagnostic studies.

ABOUT THE WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION

The World Tourism Organization (WTO) is the leading international organization in the field of travel and tourism. Its members include 134 national governments and more than 325 affiliates, representing tourism-related businesses such as airlines, hotel groups and tour operators. as well as travel industry associations and local governments.

With its headquarters in Madrid, WTO was founded in 1975 and has been entrusted by the United Nations with the promotion and development of international tourism.

In promoting and developing travel and tourism—the world's largest industry—WTO's goal is to stimulate business and economic development, as well as foster peace and understanbding among nations.

\1TO's action programme is divided into six areas:

I. Cooperation for Development; Education and Training; Statistics and Market Research; Environment and Planning; S. Quality of Tourism Development; and 6. Communication and documentation.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE

The Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (FEEE) seeks to promote environmental education by carrying out campaigns and improving awareness of the importance of environmental education. It is composed of a network of organizations which undertake individual projects in their own countries and participate in international efforts. The FEEE, which has its headquarters in

Denmark, runs three major campaigns in Europe: the Blue Flag Campaign, Eco-Schools and Young Reporters for the Environment. -

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