Strategy - GAIA 20:30

GAIA 20:30 is the Foundation for Environmental Education's (FEE) strategic framework for addressing three major environmental challenges: climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution.

Inspired by Gaia, the ancient Greek personification of the Earth, the strategy provides a common direction for FEE and its programmes towards 2030.

Through GAIA 20:30, FEE works with its members, programmes and international network to strengthen environmental education, increase understanding of these environmental challenges and encourage action at local, national and international levels.

GAIA 20:30 and Blue Flag

As one of FEE's international programmes, Blue Flag contributes to the implementation of the GAIA 20:30 Strategy through areas addressed by its criteria, environmental education activities, projects and international network.

Blue Flag requirements cover areas relevant to the three GAIA 20:30 themes, including:

Climate change: environmental education, resource and energy management, water efficiency, sustainable transport initiatives and other environmental management measures.
Biodiversity loss: information about local ecosystems and sensitive natural areas, management of environmentally sensitive areas and activities, and responsible interaction with wildlife.
Environmental pollution: bathing water quality, wastewater and sewage management, waste and recycling, hazardous materials, pollution prevention and environmental education.

Blue Flag sites and National Operators may also undertake additional projects and initiatives addressing these challenges according to their local environmental context.

GAIA 20:30 provides the strategic direction for FEE as an organisation. The specific requirements that beaches, marinas and tourism boats must meet under the Blue Flag Programme are defined in the applicable Blue Flag criteria and explanatory notes.