Blue flag

Blue Flag is an international award given to beaches and marinas that meet high standards of environmental management, safety, services, and water quality. The program is operated by the non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

History

The Blue Flag program was first launched in France in 1985 by the French Foundation for Environmental Education. It was later extended to marine areas in the rest of Europe in 1987 under the coordination of the FEE. Today, the program operates in 49 countries worldwide.

Criteria

To achieve a Blue Flag status, a beach or marina must meet a set of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria. These include:

• Environmental Management: The beach or marina must have an environmental management system in place, including waste management facilities and regulation of activities that can harm the natural environment.
• Water Quality: The water at the beach or marina must meet the FEE's strict water quality standards.
• Safety and Services: The beach or marina must have adequate safety measures in place, including lifeguards and first aid equipment. It must also provide services such as clean toilets and drinking water.
• Environmental Education: The beach or marina must promote environmental education and provide information about the Blue Flag program and the local ecosystem.

Impact

The Blue Flag program has been successful in raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable development in coastal areas. It has also helped to improve the quality of beaches and marinas and boost tourism in many regions.

See also

• Green Flag Award
• Eco-label