The Blue Flag environmental movement, operating under the auspices of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an international public non-profit organization, has been testing beaches and yachting sites since 1985. Certification by movement experts is officially recognized by the UN. The presence of the "Blue Flag" at any beach makes it the standard among others.
The Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) became the Blue Flag movement coordinator in the Emirates. Since the program will be implemented independently of state structures, only those Emirate beaches that successfully pass a multi-stage test will be able to get the Blue Flag. Traditionally, the audit will be carried out once a year.
The Blue Flag movement was initiated in 1985 in France. Since 1987, it has had the status of an initiative of the European Union. In 2006, 2589 beaches and 641 yachts in 33 countries, including not only Europe, but also Canada, Morocco, as well as New Zealand, South Africa and the Caribbean, received Blue Flag awards.
