From April 16–19, 2026, Porto de Pedras, Alagoas, hosted the 19th National Workshop of the Blue Flag Program Brazil. The event brought together government officials, experts, and representatives from across the country to discuss advances, challenges, and opportunities in the sustainable management of beaches and marinas. The event also highlighted successful case studies from Lagoa do Peri, Prainha, and Praia das Pedras de Itaúna, showcasing a range of effective management strategies implemented in Blue Flag-certified areas.
“We are experiencing a strengthening cycle of Blue Flag in Brazil, with a restructuring that enhances the credibility and rigor of the award. The workshop is essential for aligning guidelines and sharing experiences.” said Leana Bernardi, National Coordinator of the Blue Flag in Brazil.
From Certification to Conservation: Experiences in the Field
Technical visits were among the highlights of the workshop, offering participants a practical immersion in the Blue Flag criteria. Patacho Beach, the only Blue Flag-awarded site in Alagoas, served as a key example of how the program’s standards are applied in practice. Now celebrating five consecutive award seasons, the beach demonstrates the ongoing commitment and continuous effort required to maintain the certification. Participants also visited Lage Beach, currently in the pilot phase, where they observed both the progress achieved and the challenges involved in meeting the program’s requirements.
The workshop also expanded the discussion beyond beach management by emphasizing the connection between environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. Participants visited the Peixe-Boi Association, a national reference in manatee conservation, where they learned about the institution’s work in protecting the species and engaging local communities through environmental education. The visit reinforced the importance of integrating biodiversity conservation into broader coastal management strategies.
In addition, the program included a dedicated space for marinas, with discussions focused on management challenges, infrastructure, and compliance with Blue Flag criteria. These sessions broadened the debate by addressing the different realities and needs of coastal destinations participating in the program.
“Hosting a national event such as the Blue Flag Workshop places Porto de Pedras in the spotlight of coastal sustainability in Brazil. It shows that we are on the right track, investing in management, preservation, and quality of life. Our goal is to continue evolving and to serve as a reference for other municipalities,” said Allan de Jesus Silva, Mayor of Porto de Pedras.
New Pathways for Coastal Management
The opening of the event included a Regional Meeting aimed at municipalities and organizations interested in joining the program, serving as an entry point for new participants. Criteria, benefits, and award stages were presented, encouraging new destinations to join the pilot phase.
Institutional contributions also reinforced the connection between public policies and the program’s criteria. The Secretariat of the Union’s Heritage (SPU) presented instruments such as the Beach Management Adjustment Agreements (TAGPs) and the Orla Project, while the Brazilian Lifesaving Society (Sobrasa) shared data on drowning prevention and launched, in partnership with Blue Flag, the Outstanding Drowning Prevention Award, aimed at recognizing best practices in safety at beaches and marinas.
National Coordinators of the Green Key and Eco-Schools programs participated in the national workshop and presented other certifications of the Foundation for Environmental Education in Brazil. Their presence expanded participants’ understanding of the integrated role of FEE initiatives in different contexts, such as hospitality establishments and educational institutions.
The event featured cultural expressions that highlighted local identity, with performances by Bumba Meu Boi Mamba Negra, Cortejo Bobo Gaiato, Grupo Guerreiro Campeão Vencedor de Anadia, and Cambindas Berto da Quiquina, fostering interaction among participants.
The National Workshop reinforced the importance of continuous efforts based on planning, monitoring, and collective engagement, leaving as a legacy a strengthened network of destinations committed to sustainability and the prospect of tangible progress in participating territories.
The event was held in partnership with the Municipality of Porto de Pedras, organized by the Instituto Ambientes em Rede (IAR), the organization responsible for the Blue Flag Program in Brazil, with support from the Costa dos Corais Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Alagoas State Secretariat of Tourism.