MALTA'S BLUE FLAG BEACHES AND BEACHES OF QUALITY 1. Nine Beach Awards for 2012This summer, for the first time ever, Malta has been acknowledged and awarded nine quality flags for its efforts in the sustainable management of beaches. Six beaches qualified to Blue Flag international standards and another three as Beaches of Quality. (having achieved over 70% of the criteria required for Blue Flag)Beaches awarded Blue Flag are:• Mellieħa Bay • Għajn Tuffieħa * • Ramla L-Ħamra Gozo *• Qawra Point• St. George's Bay• Buġibba Perched Beach* Managed by GAIA Foundation Awards for Beach of Quality are: • Fond Għadir• Paradise Hotel Private Beach • Golden Bay 2. Activities - Conservation of Malta's Naural Habitat - RIO+20Activities for this year focus on the theme Conservation of Malta's Natural Habitat taken from the Earth Summit: RIO+20 that will define pathways for a cleaner and greener world. Over 30 enjoyable experiences will be held both in rural and coastal areas. They are educational and convey positive messages towards our biodiversity and Malta's natural habitats. 3. Litter-Free BeachesThe struggle for litter-free beaches is proving to be challenging where in spite of the numerous measures being taken, many beach users are not willing to comply. The Beach Management Unit has created awareness campaigns for clean beaches; introduced waste separation beach bins; ashtrays; sand sifting operations and daily beach cleaning, in an effort to eliminate litter and cigarette ends from beaches. Please help us keep our beaches clean. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBTgkA9qbiI Code of Conduct for Malta's Beaches • Loud music, noise in general and foul language affect the enjoyment of other beach users and are prohibited• Beach games such as volleyball and football are tolerated provided that they do not cause nuisance to others• Damaging any beach or promenade equipment is an offence and will be prosecuted• Distributing samples or leaflets require a permit from the Local Council or the MTA • All beach staff and lifeguards are there for your assistance and safety and should be treated with respect• It is advisable to make use of protective sun creams• Swimmers with a medical problem are advised to enter the water with a friend• Swimmers are requested to remain in the swimming zone• Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs• Children are their parents' or guardians' responsibility and should be accompanied by an adult when in the water• It is prohibited to; o Dig holes of a dangerous size in the size in the sando Littering, burying rubbish or dispose of it in the seao Make any form of fire or use of BBQ equipment *o Erect camps, tents or gazebos or attach sheets or towels to beach umbrellaso Drive motorised units on beacheso Allow animals (except guide dogs) on sandy beaches* Not applicable on Golden Bay and rocky beaches. BLUE FLAG AWARDThe Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to beaches and marinas that comply with a number of criteria designed to ensure that those beaches and marinas awarded the label are working towards sustainable development. The criteria address water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management and safety and other services. Over 3,450 beaches and marinas from over 41 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean have been awarded the Blue Flag in 2010. The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an international non-government organization (NGO), is responsible for the Blue Flag Scheme and is represented in Malta by the local environmental NGO, Nature Trust.Following the success of St. George's Bay, The Malta Tourism Authority created another beach in the tourist accommodation area of Bugibba. Bugibba Perched Beach achieved the Blue Flag Award for the first time in 2010, based on the beach management executed during the previous years. BLUE FLAG BEACH ACTIVITIES 2012 Create a Mask with re-used material 12th July Mellieha BayBeach News Publication All summer All beachesLets play with Flowers (playing cards) July Various beachesAugust Meteor Storm 21st June Golden BayUnderstand Posedonia deposits as nesting grounds 6th July Golden BayExperience of Organic Farming 31st MayMajjistral Park MelliehaCoastal Natural, Cultural & Heritage Walk 5th JuneSalinaVisit to Maritime City 1st JuneBirgu Visit to Malta Maritime Museum 1st JuneBirguHands in Clay 24th JulyCeramika SeracinaWaste Separation Maze 26th JulyQawra Point beachDiscover Mellieha's Natural Heritage 26th July Mellieha Bay (Walk)Art of Nature, T-Shirt painting & Origami 31st JulySt George's BayAnimal Awareness Days - grooming horses 2nd AugustBidnija Salt Art Creations7th AugustFond GhadirFlag Race7th August Bugibba BeachAnimal Awareness9th AugustQawra Point
1. Nine Beach Awards for 2012This summer, for the first time ever, Malta has been acknowledged and awarded nine quality flags for its efforts in the sustainable management of beaches. Six beaches qualified to Blue Flag international standards and another three as Beaches of Quality. (having achieved over 70% of the criteria required for Blue Flag)
Beaches awarded Blue Flag are:
• Mellieħa Bay • Għajn Tuffieħa * • Ramla L-Ħamra Gozo *• Qawra Point• St. George's Bay• Buġibba Perched Beach* Managed by GAIA Foundation
• Fond Għadir• Paradise Hotel Private Beach • Golden Bay
Over 30 enjoyable experiences will be held both in rural and coastal areas. They are educational and convey positive messages towards our biodiversity and Malta's natural habitats.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBTgkA9qbiI
• Loud music, noise in general and foul language affect the enjoyment of other beach users and are prohibited• Beach games such as volleyball and football are tolerated provided that they do not cause nuisance to others• Damaging any beach or promenade equipment is an offence and will be prosecuted• Distributing samples or leaflets require a permit from the Local Council or the MTA • All beach staff and lifeguards are there for your assistance and safety and should be treated with respect• It is advisable to make use of protective sun creams• Swimmers with a medical problem are advised to enter the water with a friend• Swimmers are requested to remain in the swimming zone• Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs• Children are their parents' or guardians' responsibility and should be accompanied by an adult when in the water• It is prohibited to; o Dig holes of a dangerous size in the size in the sando Littering, burying rubbish or dispose of it in the seao Make any form of fire or use of BBQ equipment *o Erect camps, tents or gazebos or attach sheets or towels to beach umbrellaso Drive motorised units on beacheso Allow animals (except guide dogs) on sandy beaches
* Not applicable on Golden Bay and rocky beaches.
BLUE FLAG BEACH ACTIVITIES 2012
Create a Mask with re-used material
12th July
Mellieha Bay
Beach News Publication
All summer
All beaches
Lets play with Flowers (playing cards)
July
Various beaches
August Meteor Storm
21st June
Golden Bay
Understand Posedonia deposits as nesting grounds
6th July
Experience of Organic Farming
31st May
Majjistral Park Mellieha
Coastal Natural, Cultural & Heritage Walk
5th June
Salina
Visit to Maritime City
1st June
Birgu
Visit to Malta Maritime Museum
Hands in Clay
24th July
Ceramika Seracina
Waste Separation Maze
26th July
Qawra Point beach
Discover Mellieha's Natural Heritage
Mellieha Bay (Walk)
Art of Nature, T-Shirt painting & Origami
31st July
St George's Bay
Animal Awareness Days - grooming horses
2nd August
Bidnija
Salt Art Creations
7th August
Fond Ghadir
Flag Race
Bugibba Beach
Animal Awareness
9th August
Qawra Point