The Blue Flag Programe is a voluntary eco-label awarded to over 3450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean.
The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches/marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.
The Blue Flag Programme includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators and is one of the most widely recognised and valued eco-labels throughout Europe and beyond. It is awarded to beaches and marinas with excellent environmental standards under the categories of environmental education & information, water quality, safety & services and environmental managment.
In Ireland in 2009, the international jury awarded Blue Flags to 77 beaches. For more information on the Blue Flag check out www.blueflagireland.org.
2010 Blue Flags click here
Blue Flag 2010 press release here