PRESENTER: SEAN TOWNSEND Natural Resources Management & Planning Dept. BLUE FLAG: A STEP TOWARDS THE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF JAMAICA'S PUBLIC BEACHES
SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT is the management of the use, development and protection of resources in a way, or at a rate, which enables people and communities, including Indigenous Peoples, to provide for their present social, economic and cultural well-being while also sustaining the potential of those resources to meet the reasonable foreseeable needs of future generations and safeguarding the life supporting capacity of air, water and soil ecosystem (source International Finance Corporation) Sustainable use of natural resources Steps towards financial sustainability Preserving our beach for use by locals and tourist
WHAT IS BLUE FLAG? Voluntary environmental certification programme designed for beaches and marinas; Implemented by an international, non-governmental organisation the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) located in Denmark; Programme has been in operation since 1987 within Europe Operating outside Europe since 2001 3012 beaches and 638 marinas (2010/2011 season) have Blue Flag certification worldwide in 41 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean
BLUE FLAG IN JAMAICA Category Municipality Beach/Marina name Accessible Beach Negril Beaches Negril Beach Westmoreland Bluefields Beach Negril Coco La Palm Beach Negril Couples Negril Beach Negril Couples Swept Away Marina Portland Errol Flynn Marina Beach Negril Long Bay Beach Park 1 Beach Negril Merrils 1 Beach Negril Merrils 2 Beach St. Ann Ocho Rios Bay Beach Beach Negril Travellers Beach Resort Beaches in total: 10 Marinas in total: 1
KEY STRATEGIC INITIATIVES OF THE UDC S ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME Series1 Environmental Planning Environmental Monitoring Blue Flag Programme Man and the Biosphere Programme Environmental Education and Outreach Environmental Management System Protected Area Management
BLUE FLAG & THE UDC The UDC is a Development Agency which seeks to enhance the quality of life for Jamaicans through several initiatives such as Blue Flag which brings the same quality of facilities experienced by tourists to Jamaicans; Step toward sustainability of Jamaica's public beaches.
CERTIFICATION PROCESS Water quality sampling once every fortnight for 2 years prior to application; Preparation and submission of application to the National Blue Flag Jury who meets once per year; If approved by the National Jury then applications are submitted to the Blue Flag International Jury for review
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Beach Management and Staff Monitoring function on a daily basis Ensuring that Flag is flown during opening hours of each facility Educate patrons on the Blue Flag Programme and the importance Beach Management Committee Ensure all criteria are being met Develop and implement programmes for the maintenance of the certification NRMEP Department NEPT Monitoring function Monitoring function
BLUE FLAG PROGRAMME Each Blue Flag season last for a period twelve (12) months beginning November 1 st each year Maintenance of certification: Implement and maintain the criteria which is outlined in the Blue Flag Beach Explanatory Notes 2010 Environmental Education Water Quality Environmental Management Safety www.blueflag.org
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Information Board Coastal zone ecosystems and nearby sensitive areas; Bathing water quality for each month; Map of the beach Code of Conduct Minimum of five (5) environmental education activities must be offered during the season
WATER QUALITY Carried out by an independent entity NEPT (fortnightly). Samples analyzed by an independent lab Faecal Coliform must be within the standard ( 100 MPN/100 ml) ph value between 6 9 No oil film visible on the surface of the water No floatables such as plastics, bottles etc. No industrial or sewage related discharges may affect the beach area
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT A Beach Management Committee must be established Committee is to ensure that all criteria as stipulated by The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) are implemented and maintained at each facility Consist of representatives of the Ocho Rios Bay Beach Long Bay Bluefields Ensure that all beaches comply with the local regulations Beach Control Act (1956)
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT (CONT D) The beach is kept clean. Waste disposal bins are available at the beach including bins for recycling Restroom facilities are provided and kept clean No unauthorized driving on the beach is allowed Access to the beach by animals is strictly controlled
BLUE FLAG JAMAICA Ocho Rios Bay Beach has been awarded a Blue Flag. The Blue Flag is an international environmental award given to beaches making a special effort to implement sound management with respect to the local environment and nature. To attain the Blue Flag, the beach must achieve the highest standards in four main categories: ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION AND EDUCATION Ocho Rios Bay Beach relays information about local eco-systems and environmental phenomena to its guests and staff, maintains an environmental code of conduct, and offers environmental education activities. For more information on activities contact the front desk. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Ocho Rios Bay Beach takes great pride in keeping its beach clean. Vegetation and natural debris are left on the beach. Proper waste disposal, restroom facilities are available and properly maintained. Animals, camping, unauthorized driving, or dumping are strictly prohibited. Our buildings and equipment are properly maintained. SAFETY AND SERVICES Ocho Rios Bay Beach provides lifesaving, first-aid, and fire-fighting equipment. Access to our beach is safe. We have emergency plans in case of pollution, fire, or other accidents, zoning for different beach uses, drinking water available, and access for disabled persons. WATER QUALITY Regular chemical and physical water quality testing ensure that Ocho Rios Bay Beach has excellent bathing water quality. The water does not display any evidence of pollution, oil, litter, or sewage. No industrial, waste-water, or sewage related discharges affect the beach. The Blue Flag is awarded annually and is only valid as long as these criteria are fulfilled. c/o Danish Outdoor Council Scandiagade 13 2450 Copenhagen SV Denmark Tel +45 33 28 04 10 Fax +45 33 79 01 79 OCHO RIOS BAY BEACH CODE OF CONDUCT Keeping the beach and the water clean is vital. Properly dispose of all trash in the receptacles provided. Sensitive natural areas, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, should be respected. Do not stand on or touch the coral reef. Leave no trace. Take only pictures. Do not remove beach sand or disturb wetland and marine flora and fauna. Kindly respect user zones established for the beach. Swimming is encouraged in swim areas only. Unauthorized vehicles are not allowed on the beach. No unlawful, disorderly, or excessively noisy conduct. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES In the even of an emergency please call: No domestic animals are allowed on the beach. Front Desk 974-2683 No fires are allowed on the beach. Police Station 974-2317 No camping allowed on the beach. Fire Station 974-2496 Dumping is strictly prohibited. Contact the front desk for more information about our safety and beach services. SUN AND SEA SAFETY TIPS CATCH A WAVE Swim at an area supervised by lifeguards. Check water conditions before entering. Swim only in designated swimming areas. Swim with a friend. Follow instructions on safety signs. Never swim after consuming alcohol. FUN IN THE SUN Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Wear a broad rimmed hat when outdoors. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF30+ If swimming, regularly reapply sunscreen. Wear sunglasses to protect from UV rays. Head for shade during hours of peak sunlight, generally 11:00am-3:00pm. Blue Flag National Operator c/o Negril area Environmental Protection Trust Negril Marine Park Building Negril P.O. 2599 Negril, Westmoreland, Jamaica FEE Secretariat c/o Danish Outdoor Council Scandiagade 13 2450 Copenhagen SV Denmark BLUE FLAG JAMAICA Long Bay Beach has been awarded a Blue Flag. The Blue Flag is an international environmental award given to beaches making a special effort to implement sound management with respect to the local environment and nature. To attain the Blue Flag, the beach must achieve the highest standards in four main categories: ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION AND EDUCATION Long Bay Beach relays information about local eco-systems and environmental phenomena to its guests and staff, maintains an environmental code of conduct, and offers environmental education activities. For more information on activities contact the office. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Long Bay Beach takes great pride in keeping its beach clean. Vegetation and natural debris are left on the beach. Proper waste disposal, restroom facilities are available and properly maintained. Animals, camping, unauthorized driving, or dumping are strictly prohibited. Our buildings and equipment are properly maintained. SAFETY AND SERVICES Long Bay Beach provides lifesaving, first-aid, and fire-fighting equipment. Access to our beach is safe. We have emergency plans in case of pollution, fire, or other accidents, zoning for different beach uses, drinking water available, and access for disabled persons. WATER QUALITY Regular chemical and physical water quality testing ensure that Long Bay Beach has excellent bathing water quality. The water does not display any evidence of pollution, oil, litter, or sewage. No industrial, waste-water, or sewage related discharges affect the beach. The Blue Flag is awarded annually and is only valid as long as these criteria are fulfilled. c/o Danish Outdoor Council Scandiagade 13 2450 Copenhagen SV Denmark Tel +45 33 28 04 10 Fax +45 33 79 01 79 Mail: coordination@blueflag.org Website: www.blueflag.org LONG BAY BEACH CODE OF CONDUCT Keeping the beach and the water clean is vital. Properly dispose of all trash in the receptacles provided. Sensitive natural areas, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, should be respected. Do not stand on or touch the coral reef. Leave no trace. Take only pictures. Do not remove beach sand or disturb wetland and marine flora and fauna. Kindly respect user zones established for the beach. Swimming is encouraged in swim areas only. Unauthorized vehicles are not allowed on the beach. No unlawful, disorderly, or excessively noisy conduct. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES In the even of an emergency please call: No domestic animals are allowed on the beach. Office 957-3159 No fires are allowed on the beach. Police Station 957-4268 No camping allowed on the beach. Fire Station 957-4242 Dumping is strictly prohibited. Contact the office for more information about our safety and beach services. SUN AND SEA SAFETY TIPS CATCH A WAVE Swim at an area supervised by lifeguards. Check water conditions before entering. Swim only in designated swimming areas. Swim with a friend. Follow instructions on safety signs. Never swim after consuming alcohol. FUN IN THE SUN Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Wear a broad rimmed hat when outdoors. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF30+ If swimming, regularly reapply sunscreen. Wear sunglasses to protect from UV rays. Head for shade during hours of peak sunlight, generally 11:00am-3:00pm. Blue Flag National Operator c/o Negril area Environmental Protection Trust Negril Marine Park Building Negril P.O. 2599 Negril, Westmoreland, Jamaica Telephone (876) 957-3736 Mail: nept_negril@yahoo.com FEE Secretariat c/o Danish Outdoor Council Scandiagade 13 2450 Copenhagen SV Denmark Tel +45 33 28 04 10 Fax +45 33 79 01 79 Mail: secretariat@fee-international.org SAFETY Lifeguards and lifesaving equipment are available at the beach First Aid equipment is available at the beach The beach is Zoned to accommodate the different users and uses A map of the beach indicating different facilities is displayed An emergency plan to cope with pollution safety risks W E L C O M E T O OCHO RIOS BAY BEACH W E L C O M E T O LONG BAY BEACH PARK I
Oct-08 Nov-08 Dec-08 Jan-09 Feb-09 Mar-09 Apr-09 May-09 Jun-09 Jul-09 Aug-09 Sep-09 Oct-09 Nov-09 Dec-09 Jan-10 Feb-10 Mar-10 Apr-10 May-10 Jun-10 Jul-10 Aug-10 Sep-10 Oct-10 Nov-10 Dec-10 Jan-11 Feb-11 Mar-11 WATER QUALITY (CONT D) 120.0 Faecal Coliform (MPN/100mL) for Bluefields Beach Park 100.0 80.0 60.0 40.0 20.0 0.0 Mean FC NRCA Standard (Upper Limit) NRCA Standard (Lower Limit) Blue Flag Standard
EDUCATION & OUTREACH ACTIVITIES 9 Activities Staff Sensitization (50) World Wetlands Days World Water Day School Talk Beach Activities UrbanScope
EVALUATION- STAFF/MANAGEMENT Maintaining Required Standards Ocho Rios Bay Beach Long Bay Beach Park 1 Bluefields Beach Park Increased Awareness and Interest among Patrons Staff More Conscientious and Proactive Increase in Patronage Increase in Aesthetics
EVALUATION- PARTICIPANTS Relevance of theme Ocho Rios Bay Beach Long Bay Beach Park 1 Bluefields Beach Park Clearly Outlined Objectives of Activities Appropriate Delivery Methods and Resources Increased Awareness and Knowledge Willingness to Participate in Future Related Activities
IMPLEMENTING THE BLUE FLAG PROGRAMME Activity Before After Publication / Signage Programme Notice Board Detailed Information Board Water Quality Sampling Monthly Bi-weekly Outreach Activity Ad hoc Structure (minimum five (5) per season) Recycling Programme Non-existent Implemented Solid Waste Collection In Effect Upgrade Litter Bins Beach Management Committee UDC Multi-stakeholder
SUMMARY Both patrons and staff recognise the need and the benefit of the certification Increase patronage have been observed especially in resort towns Impact of the outreach programme has been far reaching Certification has increased the marketability of the properties to stakeholders Improved the Corporate image of the UDC
CONCLUSION Blue Flag Certification is a step in the right direction towards sustainable management of Jamaica s Public Beaches Blue Flag is another tool used by the UDC to encourage good environmental stewardship.