Firth of Clyde Forum Annual Conference 2007
The Green Blue: Industry Initiatives
The Green Blue is the environmental initiative established as a joint venture between the British Marine Federation (BMF) and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). This unique partnership between the marine industry and the recreational users represents a pro-active approach towards better understanding and awareness of the environmental issues and legislation affecting this sector in both coastal and inland waters.
The Green Blue was established in England three years ago, sponsored primarily by DEFRA and The Crown Estate, with support from the Environment Agency and MDL Marinas. The programme was extended into Wales in 2007 with support from the Countryside Council for Wales and the Environment Agency. The Green Blue has now been able to launch into Scotland with funding from Scottish Natural Heritage and The Crown Estate, and support from both BMF Scotland and RYA Scotland. Dr Julia Christie has been appointed as Scottish Project Officer and will promote their initiative throughout Scotland.
The Issues
Scotland offers some of the most stunning scenery, coastline and wildlife in the world. The sailing and watersports industries are particularly reliant on the unspoilt nature of the environment for success. In Scotland alone 230,000 people participate in boating annually, bringing in £270 million into the economy in a rapidly growing sector. We need to ensure that this growth is sustainable and does not compromise the wonderful coastline, waterways and wildlife that make it such a popular destination.
The Green Blue focuses on six core impact areas:
- Waste management
- Cleaning and maintenance
- Oil and fuel spills
- Anti-fouling and marine paints
- Resource efficiency
- Effects on wildlife
These issues are relevant to everyone who enjoys getting out on the water or whose livelihood depends on boats and watersports.
Getting the Message Across
The Green Blue aims to educate and inform the boating community about the potential impacts on the environment, emphasising how best to avoid or minimise these impacts and to promote good practice. With Project Officers and volunteers in England, Scotland and Wales, The Green Blue are able to target a wide audience. This is done through a combination of awareness raising, practical projects and research. Project materials are disseminated to, and presentations given at, businesses, clubs, training centres, boat shows, watersport events and conferences.
Awareness Raising
An Environmental Code of Practice has been developed which is particularly relevant to the clubs and businesses within the marine industry. This comprehensive guide outlines the legal framework and provides practical advice to ensure compliance with relevant legislation. It is available online at www.ecop.org.uk.
The Green Blue website is packed with useful environmental information and advice covering the six core themes, practical projects and research. There is a Green Directory providing information on environmentally friendly products that are available, from cleaning agents to wind powered generators. A Pump-Out directory shows the holding tank pump-out facilities across the UK. There are also volunteering opportunities with training for The Green Blue. You can sign up for the e-newsletter and keep up to date with the news across England, N. Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Free publications
The Green Blue provides a large selection of free publications to help raise the awareness of environmental issues and to encourage the boating community to ‘Go Green’. These include ‘How to... Guides’ (Scottish coastal version available), Code of Conduct stickers, A4/A5 posters and the interactive CD ROM ‘Into the Green Blue’ - a useful tool for clubs and training centres.
Practical Projects
With support from communities and industry, The Green Blue initiates practical projects and provides case studies that illustrate the environmental measures that can be adopted. The benefits and constraints of these projects are described and used to establish ‘Best Practice’. Examples include washdown capture for antifouling products, recycling schemes and resource efficiency measures.
Research
A literature review, on boating and interactions with the environment, was undertaken to establish research priorities. The Green Blue now has links with universities and MSc students undertaking research on these topics. The searchable literature database is available on www.thegreenblue.org.uk.
Monitoring Success
The Green Blue has been monitoring the effectiveness of their initiative. A baseline survey established that most people had general concerns over environmental issues such as oil pollution, disposing of waste and effects on wildlife. This identified a clear need for useful environmental advice and guidance. A later survey in 2007 showed that, given practical advice, respondents altered their behaviour and took measures to minimise their environmental impact, particularly on issues such as oil and fuel pollution, waste management and wildlife. Awareness of The Green Blue increased from 13-81% in this two-year period. Whilst encouraging, further work is necessary to identify practical solutions for the more difficult issues such as antifouling and marine paints.
For further information on the Green Blue or any of it’s initiatives go to www.thegreenblue.org.uk or contact Julia Christie on 0131 317 4613 or scotland@thegreenblue.org.uk
