April 7- Beaches in the UAE may contain blue flags, a symbol of clean beaches, in 2011 if they are able to meet the international criteria for the same, it was learnt on Tuesday. The blue flag is given to those beaches and marinas that have passed the criteria for water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and other services. Run by the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE), a Denmark-based non-profit organisation, the blue flag has been awarded to 3,450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries.
"In April 2011 the first blue flag will be awarded to UAE beaches," said Lisa Perry, Conservation Programme Director at Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) — WWF. "The water quality at our beaches is a concern for many residents and tourists. With the blue flag people can be more confident that the water is safe for them and their children to swim in,” she added.
Last year that EWS-WWF was accepted by FEE as its national coordinator for the Blue Flag Programme in the UAE. The initiative will make UAE beaches litter free and provide high recreational water quality, in addition to adequate beach users' safety services.
Meanwhile, the award is just given for one season. If the same criteria are not me in the next season, the award will be withdrawn.