Every year, we have the same debates:
Should beaches charge an entrance fee or not? Is it legal? Is it illegal? And so on…
Which beach is safe for swimming? Which one is clean? Which beach isn’t being polluted by sewage and wastewater?
We’re tired of writing and talking about these debates; the people in charge aren’t…
And yet, there’s an easy solution…
There are programs with clear criteria for dealing with this issue…
For example, the Blue Flag program…
Launched in Europe in 1987 and now operating in 42 countries, the Blue Flag program has helped people swim safely in the sea for years. That’s because the Blue Flag is an international environmental award given to beaches and marinas that meet the required standards. It is a symbol of a clean, well-maintained, well-equipped and safe environment—and therefore of a civilized, sustainable one. At its core, the Blue Flag represents clean seawater, along with sound environmental management that prioritizes environmental education and public information and has the necessary facilities.
So why isn’t this system being implemented in our country?
I did a little research on this and learned that our beaches haven’t received Blue Flags because we aren’t recognized… However, I understand that the Ministry is working on this program…
I don’t know what kind of work they’re doing, but it took me about a minute to find the Blue Flag criteria… (Note: If the Ministry wishes, I can send them the criteria.)
In short, it shouldn’t be too difficult to put in place the criteria for this program, called the Blue Flag, which designates areas where people can swim with peace of mind.
At this point, saying, “They don’t recognize us… We are an unrecognized country,” points to a very painful situation. The fact that our country is not recognized doesn’t mean our people and our guests have to spend their holidays at polluted beaches and in dirty waters… After all, I don’t think recognition has anything to do with implementing in our country a program with clear criteria that has succeeded wherever it has been applied. We can change its name and call it the “Navy Blue Flag,” apply the same criteria and offer our people an international standard.
What matters here is the will to act…
Like me, you must be tired of administrations using our lack of international recognition as an obstacle to applying international standards…
The fact that we are an unrecognized country should not be an excuse for failing to show the resolve to introduce clear standards…
Source: Turkey Environmental Education Foundation (Turçev)