Blue Flag Beaches – nature’s lifeguard
Tao Oliveto, Carrboro
Mid-Summer. Although I’m more of a forest person than a beach person, around this time each year, I feel the pull to move towards the coast, to gaze at something that reminds me that I’m not the center of the universe and that their is a force stronger and more important that my emotions and desires. Something to put things back in perspective.
Our beaches can be not only a place for R & R, but a place to learn and be inspired. Part of that is up to each of us – can we be open to the lessons that nature puts in front of us? Yet, there’s a practical side, too and municipalities are finally catching on. The Blue Flag Beach Program began as a French concept under the FEEE (Foundation for Environmental Education Europe) in 1987, and works towards the sustainable development at beaches. With the goals of coastal protection, planning and waste management, criteria was established, enlisting the cooperation of approximately 450 beaches and marinas participating and becoming certified.
In 2009, the criteria has expanded and the program gone global – now named FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) – with 3300 beaches and marinas in congruence. Beaches can become places for environmental education and information, all promoted and encouraged by the individual communities. “The Programme has also recently started a voluntary scheme for private boat owners called the Individual Blue Flag, which boaters can fly if they have signed and agreed to follow an environmental code of conduct.”
It sounds like the U.S. needs to jump on board and help us get more than a sun tan on our next w/e at the beach. Do you live or visit a beach community? If you are interested in Blue Flag and you are from a country without a FEE member organisation, please consult the Membership page and please contact the FEE Secretariat for further information.
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