Blue Flag

The Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. Established in 1985 by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag program aims to promote environmental education, water quality, safety, and environmental management.

Criteria

To receive a Blue Flag, applicants must meet a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. These criteria are divided into four main categories:

• Environmental Education and Information: Beaches and marinas must provide environmental education activities and information about local ecosystems and environmental phenomena.
• Water Quality: The water at beaches and marinas must meet high quality standards, including aspects like cleanliness and water treatment.
• Environmental Management: Applicants must adhere to environmental management criteria, including waste management and coastal planning and protection.
• Safety and Services: Facilities must ensure safety measures, including lifeguards and first aid equipment, are in place.

Program Impact

The Blue Flag program is recognized worldwide as a symbol of quality and is a sought-after award for tourist destinations. It not only promotes environmental awareness but also encourages tourism operators to maintain high environmental standards. As of now, over 4,500 beaches, marinas, and boats in 45 countries have been awarded the Blue Flag.

Participating Countries

Countries from all over the world participate in the Blue Flag program. Each participating country has a national operator responsible for implementing the program at the local level, ensuring that the criteria are met and maintained.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the Blue Flag is a prestigious award, it has faced criticism regarding its criteria and the transparency of the award process. Some critics argue that the criteria should be more stringent, particularly concerning environmental management and sustainability practices.

See Also

• Environmental certification
• Sustainable tourism
• Water pollution