The 12 months could have solely simply begun, however many travellers will already be plotting their summer holiday itineraries. And if time at the seashore is excessive in your journey precedence record, it is price wanting past the postcard attraction of the (*10*). Across the world, Blue Flag-certified beaches stand out not only for their magnificence, however for his or her dedication to cleanliness, conservation and accountable tourism.
What is the Blue Flag?
The coveted Blue Flag programme, run by the Copenhagen-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is certainly one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches, marinas and tourism boats, awarded primarily based on a collection of stringent water high quality, environmental, instructional, safety-related and access-related benchmarks which are required to be met and maintained by the operators. The accolade ensures beautiful magnificence in addition to a dedication to sustainability and top-notch facilities.
How is a Blue Flag awarded?
The municipality of the explicit nation normally applies for a Blue Flag and sends it to the National Operator. The National Jury evaluates functions for compliance and offers an approval or rejection on the nationwide stage. Approved functions and dispensation circumstances are forwarded from the National Jury to the International Jury. The International Jury carries out an analysis and decides which beaches and marinas to award the Blue Flag for the season. The International Jury consists of eminent members from the FEE Board, UNESCO, European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), European Union for Coastal Conservation (EUCC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
All Blue Flags are awarded for one crusing/bathing season (usually from 1 June to fifteen September) and are withdrawn at the finish of it. By renewing awards every season, the programme ensures that beaches are continuously residing as much as the standards. To date, 5,216 beaches, marinas and boats throughout 51 countries have been licensed.
Top 10 countries with the most Blue Flag beaches
Spain
No. of Blue Flag beaches: 642
