Our Structure

Blue Flag is an international programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), implemented through a global network of National Operators and participating beaches, marinas and tourism boats.

The Programme combines international coordination with national implementation and local responsibility. Each level has a distinct role in supporting the application, evaluation, award and monitoring of Blue Flag sites.

Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)

The Foundation for Environmental Education is the international organisation responsible for the Blue Flag Programme.

Through Blue Flag International at FEE Head Office, FEE coordinates the Programme internationally, maintains the international criteria and procedures, supports National Operators, coordinates international evaluations and monitoring, manages the international network and oversees the consistent implementation and development of the Programme.

National Operators

Blue Flag is implemented at national level by National Operators, generally through FEE Member Organisations authorised to operate the Programme in their country.

National Operators are the main point of contact for applicants and participating sites. They provide guidance on the Blue Flag criteria and application process, review applications, coordinate the national evaluation process, support sites in implementing the criteria, conduct or coordinate control visits, follow up on non-compliances and complaints, and liaise with Blue Flag International.

Applicants and Blue Flag Sites

Beaches, marinas and tourism boats participate in Blue Flag through their responsible local authority, site operator, marina management or tourism boat operator.

Applicants are responsible for demonstrating that the applicable Blue Flag criteria are fulfilled and for providing the information and documentation required as part of the application process.

Once awarded, sites and operators are responsible for maintaining compliance with the applicable Blue Flag criteria throughout the relevant award period and for cooperating with monitoring and control activities.

National Jury

Applications that have completed the national review process are considered by a National Blue Flag Jury.

The National Jury brings together relevant expertise and stakeholder perspectives to review applications at national level and determine which applications should be submitted for international consideration.

National Jury arrangements may vary between countries according to the national context while following the procedures established by the Blue Flag Programme.

Blue Flag International

Blue Flag International, based at FEE Head Office, coordinates the international review of applications submitted through National Operators.

It works with the international Blue Flag network to support consistent interpretation and implementation of the criteria across participating countries and coordinates international monitoring, programme development, training and technical guidance.

International Blue Flag Jury

The International Blue Flag Jury considers applications submitted through the national process and makes the international award decisions under the current Blue Flag evaluation system.

The Jury includes representatives and experts from organisations covering areas relevant to the Blue Flag Programme and contributes independent expertise to the international evaluation process.

Monitoring and Control Visits

Blue Flag does not end with the award decision.

Throughout the Blue Flag season, participating sites are subject to monitoring and control activities. National Operators conduct or coordinate control visits, while Blue Flag International may also carry out international control visits.

These activities assess continued compliance with the applicable Blue Flag criteria and allow non-compliances, complaints and other issues to be followed up where necessary.

Where a site no longer complies with applicable imperative criteria, corrective action may be required and the Blue Flag may be temporarily or permanently withdrawn in accordance with Programme procedures.