The future of the world has only one way… sustainability. Environmental education is the key.

European Environment Agency

Zero pollution expert,

European Environment Agency, has more than 20 years of experience in the environmental field, on bathing water quality, marine litter, integrated coastal zone management, environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment.

Experienced in state of the environment data and assessments, environmental reporting at national and European level including a European-wide knowledge of water pollution, source to sea marine assessments, bathing water quality assessments, and sector pressures affecting the state of water quality.

ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations) Marinas Group

I am a Certified Marina Manager, member of ICOMIA Marinas Group, appointed as delegate of the IMG to represent our organisation at all Blue Flag meetings.

Being one of the first people to have endorsed the creation of Blue Flag, in France, 30 years ago, I have always supported  and promoted the Blue Flag scheme, particularly in the field of marinas. For me, even if there are other relevant environmental  programmes in different countries, the Blue Flag remains the most recognised one among the citizens, wherever you are in the world. It makes a big difference, since when you see a Blue Flag flying over a marina or a beach, you know immediately that you are in a community where environment is not just an excuse, but a proactive approach.

Director, Sustainable Development of Tourism

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a longstanding Blue Flag Institutional Partner and Member of the International Jury. Blue Flag became an international recognized award for tourists and tour operators and an effective tool for coastal areas to assess, measure and monitor their sustainability performance by analyzing a full set of criteria which are pivotal to sustain and support tourism sector’s efforts to globally accelerate the shift towards sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Aberdeen Institute for Coastal Science and Management Director

University of Aberdeen (representing EUCC)

Beaches and marinas are both very important to coastal tourism around the world. Use of our coasts by people requires careful management. The work the Blue Flag carries out through its beach and marina awards contribute to the maintenance of a sustainable coastal environment. The EUCC and the EUCC-UK support the work of the Blue Flag as part of their desire to promote the conservation and maintenance of healthy seas and attractive coasts for both people and nature.

Norges Livredningsselskap / Norwegian Lifesaving Society President

International Lifesaving Federation (ILS) and International Lifesaving Federation Europe (ILSE) Board Member

©Picture: André Clark-Utvik.

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Associate Programme Officer, Pollution-Free Ecosystems Unit, Ecosystems Division

Riccardo follows the implementation of the wastewater portfolio (project and programme management and the coordination of the Global Wastewater Initiative) at UNEP in Nairobi, Kenya. He is passionate about wastewater management and sanitation and has experience working on environmental and water-related programmes and projects in Africa and Europe. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Technology and International Affairs. Loves nature (especially the sea!) and enjoys traveling, photography, writing, and sports.

Blue Flag institutes management procedures and a global standard for the protection of key coastal resources, especially at tourism destinations. The programme has achieved a significant global footprint from among developed, developing, and emerging countries with numerous examples of best practices in institutional arrangement, operations, and performance. Blue Flag is therefore an important partner institution to UNEP for the protection of valued marine and coastal destination assets globally.