Abstract
Beach certification schemes, such as Blue Flag, have become prevalent in the current literature as a beach management tool that is said to bridge the gap between recreation and conservation. There has been limited research done to determine if Blue Flag is actually being successfully used as a tool for environmental protection. This study investigates the effectiveness of Blue Flag as a management tool for environmental protection in Ontario. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with beach managers along the shoreline of the Great Lakes who represent a municipality involved in the Blue Flag program. The key findings of this research reveal that currently Blue Flag is not being used as an effective beach management tool for environmental protection. This study provides indication that beach managers do not think that municipalities adopting Blue Flag will have a direct impact on improving the health and protection of the Great Lakes.
Highlights
Ontario’s Great Lakes beaches offer services that are vitally important for both environmental and economic benefit
This thesis will add to the very limited body of research that assesses whether Blue Flag is an effective management tool for beaches, and will be the first study to include research directly from the beach managers in Ontario
3.1.1 Research Question and Objectives The research question that this thesis aims to answer is: To what extent is the Blue Flag certification program an effective management tool for environmental protection of beaches? Five objectives were outlined in order to answer the research question: 1. What are the key issues municipalities face with regard to beach protection?
Summary
Ontario’s Great Lakes beaches offer services that are vitally important for both environmental and economic benefit. Recent policy and governance actions across multiple levels of government are recognizing the importance of protecting beaches along the Great Lakes. These invaluable ecosystems are under stress from a variety of causes, including heavy use for recreation and tourism. One popular tool used for beach management throughout the world is the use of beach awards and eco-labels. Despite claims that beach awards such as Blue Flag can be used as tools to benefit the beach environment, there has been very little research conducted to determine how effective this eco-award is for beach management and environmental protection
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