Our Programme

Environmental education is a central component of the Blue Flag Programme.

Beaches, marinas and tourism boats are required to provide or support environmental education activities appropriate to their type of operation and local context.

These activities encourage participants to learn about environmental issues, local ecosystems and responsible behaviour and to engage with the environment around them.

Providing clear and accessible information to visitors and users is an important part of Blue Flag.

Depending on the type of site or operator, Blue Flag requirements include information about the Programme and its criteria, bathing water quality, local ecosystems and environmentally sensitive areas, available facilities, safety measures and appropriate codes of conduct.

This information helps visitors understand the site, the services available and how they can use the area responsibly.

Blue Flag criteria establish environmental management requirements appropriate to beaches, marinas and tourism boats.

Depending on the type of site or operation, these include requirements relating to waste and recycling, water and energy use, pollution prevention, wastewater, sensitive natural areas, biodiversity and the management of facilities and activities.

Applicants and participating sites are responsible for implementing the requirements that apply to them and for maintaining compliance throughout the relevant award period.

Bathing water quality is a fundamental component of the Blue Flag requirements for beaches.

Blue Flag beaches must meet defined requirements for bathing water sampling, analysis and quality, and information about bathing water quality must be made available to visitors.

Marina and tourism boat criteria also contain requirements relating to water protection, wastewater, sewage and pollution prevention appropriate to their operations.

Blue Flag criteria include requirements relating to safety, emergency preparedness and visitor services.

Depending on the type of site or operation, these may include lifesaving and rescue equipment, first-aid facilities, fire-fighting equipment, emergency procedures, safety information, management of recreational activities and appropriate sanitary facilities.

The applicable requirements reflect the characteristics and use of the site or operation and complement relevant national and local legislation.

Accessibility forms part of the Blue Flag requirements where applicable.

Criteria include provisions relating to access, facilities and information for people with disabilities, according to the type of site and applicable requirements.

Information about accessible facilities and access points should be clearly communicated to visitors where required.

Receiving the Blue Flag is not the end of the process.

Participating sites are required to continue meeting the applicable Blue Flag criteria throughout the relevant Blue Flag season or award period.

National Operators conduct or coordinate monitoring and control visits, and Blue Flag International may also carry out international control visits. Complaints and potential non-conformities may also be investigated.

Where applicable criteria are not met, corrective action may be required and the Blue Flag may be temporarily or permanently withdrawn in accordance with Programme procedures.

Blue Flag combines internationally defined requirements with national coordination and local implementation.

FEE coordinates the Programme internationally, National Operators manage its implementation at country level, and local authorities, beach and marina managers and tourism boat operators are responsible for implementing the applicable requirements at their sites.

This structure allows Blue Flag to operate internationally while taking account of different national and local environmental, regulatory and operational contexts.