Latest news with #BlueFlag-certified
Ya Biladi
05-07-2025
- Ya Biladi
Blue Flag flies high at Essaouira beach for 21st year in a row
The international Blue Flag was raised on Friday over Essaouira beach for the 21st consecutive year. Awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag label has been promoted in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, chaired by Princess Lalla Hasnaa. An official ceremony was held to celebrate the certification of the «City of Alizés» beach under the national Clean Beaches program. The event was attended by the Governor of the Province, Mohammed Rachid, along with representatives of local and security authorities, heads of external services, civil society actors, and other public figures. Speaking to MAP, Mohammed Hassou, Director of Ports for the Marrakech-Safi region, stressed that the recognition is the result of a collective effort to improve bathing water quality, upgrade beach infrastructure, promote environmental education, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. He added that the National Ports Agency (ANP), as a public institution, reaffirms its commitment to advancing environmental awareness and encouraging younger generations to take part in protecting the environment and preserving Morocco's coastal assets. For the occasion, awareness booths run by local associations and organizations were set up to educate beachgoers on eco-friendly habits and local environmental initiatives. This summer, the Blue Flag will fly over 28 beaches, a mountain lake, and four marinas across Morocco. With 33 certified sites, the country ranks 21st globally out of 50 participating nations. Morocco also holds the distinction of being the leading Arab country and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag-certified locations — a demanding international ecolabel that recognizes exemplary environmental management of recreational water areas.
Ya Biladi
04-07-2025
- Ya Biladi
Blue Flag flies high at Essaouira beach for 21st year in a row
The international Blue Flag was raised on Friday over Essaouira beach for the 21st consecutive year. Awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag label has been promoted in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, chaired by Princess Lalla Hasnaa. An official ceremony was held to celebrate the certification of the «City of Alizés» beach under the national Clean Beaches program. The event was attended by the Governor of the Province, Mohammed Rachid, along with representatives of local and security authorities, heads of external services, civil society actors, and other public figures. Speaking to MAP, Mohammed Hassou, Director of Ports for the Marrakech-Safi region, stressed that the recognition is the result of a collective effort to improve bathing water quality, upgrade beach infrastructure, promote environmental education, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. He added that the National Ports Agency (ANP), as a public institution, reaffirms its commitment to advancing environmental awareness and encouraging younger generations to take part in protecting the environment and preserving Morocco's coastal assets. For the occasion, awareness booths run by local associations and organizations were set up to educate beachgoers on eco-friendly habits and local environmental initiatives. This summer, the Blue Flag will fly over 28 beaches, a mountain lake, and four marinas across Morocco. With 33 certified sites, the country ranks 21st globally out of 50 participating nations. Morocco also holds the distinction of being the leading Arab country and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag-certified locations — a demanding international ecolabel that recognizes exemplary environmental management of recreational water areas.
The Hindu
30-06-2025
- The Hindu
Coastal road near Kappad damaged in sea erosion
The recent episodes of sea erosion, intensified with the onset of the monsoon, have swept away a major stretch of the scenic Kappad-Koyilandy road in Kozhikode district. Disrupting vehicular movement, nearly a one-kilometre stretch of the road leading to the Blue Flag-certified Kappad beach now remains damaged due to the ongoing sea surge. Families of fishermen along the coastal area complain that they are living in fear now with the worsening weather conditions and failed protective measures. Many who regularly used the coastal road for their daily commute between Kappad and Koyilandy harbour are now forced to rely on longer alternative routes, they say. A section of the local tourism facility operators along the coastal area has also been dragged into a crisis with the disrupted road connectivity. They say many are in a situation to leave the business or relocate to other places following safety concerns. 'It is impossible to protect this coastal road without a stronger seawall, built after scientifically assessing the nature of the surge and the character of the coastline. The Tourism department has a greater responsibility to push for further action,' says P. Mohammed, a local tourism entrepreneur. He points out that further delay will negatively impact the tourism prospects of the entire destination. Though the State government has recently sanctioned ₹12 crore for the seawall construction in the worst-affected area, the work is likely to be delayed further due to the destroyed road connectivity. Local administrators also feel that the sanctioned amount may not be sufficient to cover the actual requirements, including road renovation. 'Constructing a long seawall to cover all affected areas between Kappad and Koyilandy harbour is hardly a viable solution, considering the risky terrain. We believe that the speedy completion of the proposed coastal highway is the most practical solution,' says Chemanchery grama panchayat president Sathi Kizhakkayil. She adds that the dangerous sea surges every year make it difficult to propose any expensive road renovation projects.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
26-06-2025
- Business Standard
Andamans to expand Blue Flag beaches to boost eco-tourism: Chief secy
To boost beach tourism, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration is planning to expand Blue Flag certifications beyond the already accredited Radhanagar Beach at Swaraj Dweep, popularly known as Havelock, a top official said. Talking to PTI, Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar said, "Five additional beaches have recently been evaluated, aiming to draw more environmentally conscious visitors. We hope to get five more Blue Flag-certified beaches in the islands." Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded to beaches that meet high criteria for safety, cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and accessibility. In India, there are 12 such beaches, and the recognition is given by a Denmark-based non-profit organisation known as the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Kumar added, "We are getting a good tourist footfall. Infrastructure upgrades are also progressing, with a new modern 500-passenger terminal jetty at Swaraj Dweep nearing completion." "With a strong foundation already laid and ambitious plans in motion, the archipelago is fast emerging as one of India's most promising and diversified tourist destinations," he said. The administration is placing increased emphasis on cultural tourism, he said, adding, "Signature events like the Island Tourism Festival in December continue to attract visitors, while new additions such as the Coconut Festival and a Book Fair organised in collaboration with the National Book Trust are broadening the region's cultural appeal." "We want tourists to experience not just our scenic beauty and history, but also our rich cuisine, traditions and cultural diversity," the Chief Secretary added. On the new airport at Diglipur in North Andaman, Kumar said, "We aim to operate it for tourists by the next season. This enhanced connectivity will also help open access to Great Nicobar, the southernmost part of the territory in the future." In terms of sustainability, the administration is pushing for cleanliness and environmental stewardship. "Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, solid waste collection is being managed in collaboration with local panchayats. A complete ban on small plastic bottles (below 2 litres) has also been implemented. A massive marine clean-up drive, led by the forest department, has already collected over 50,000 kg of marine plastic waste," he said. On the energy front, the administration is shifting toward clean power solutions. "A 50 MW LNG plant is currently under development, led by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). A grid-based energy link between South and North Andaman is also in the pipeline, being executed in collaboration with the Power Grid Corporation. The project is expected to be completed within two years," he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ya Biladi
12-06-2025
- Ya Biladi
Morocco leads Arab World with 33 Blue Flag certified beaches and marinas in 2025
The international Blue Flag label, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and represented in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, will fly over 28 beaches, one mountain lake, and four marinas in 2025. With 33 certified sites, Morocco ranks 21st globally out of 50 countries, making it the leading Arab nation and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag-certified locations, according to a statement from the Foundation. All 27 beaches certified in 2024 have successfully renewed their Blue Flag status, reflecting the ongoing commitment of local authorities. Sol Beach, located in the Tangier-Assilah province, has been newly certified, bringing Morocco's total to 28 certified beaches for 2025. These include popular spots such as Oued Laou, Essaouira, Arekmane, El Haouzia, Sidi Rahal (4th phase), Bouznika, Ba Kacem, Mdiq, Rifienne, Sidi Ifni, Saïdia Municipal and West Tourist Station, Dalia, Achakar, Sol, Bedouza, Safi Municipal, Souiria Lakdima, Aglou, Imin Tourgha, Oum Labouir, Foum el Oued, Skhirate, Sidi Abed, Les Nations, Aïn Diab extension, Al Minaa, and East Marina Smir. In addition to the beaches, the mountain lake Aguelmam Azigza in Khenifra National Park has renewed its Blue Flag certification. Nestled between a majestic cliff and an ancient cedar forest, this gem of the Middle Atlas is Morocco's first natural lake to receive this recognition. Its development—supported by the Foundation and local authorities—includes improved hospitality, road access, sanitary facilities, camping areas, and reception services. On the marina side, Tanja Marina Bay has become the fourth port site to earn the Blue Flag, joining Saïdia (2018), East Marina Smir (2022), and Al Hoceïma (2023). Opened in 2018 as part of Tangier port's redevelopment, it is now Morocco's largest marina, offering 1,400 berths. All Blue Flag-certified beaches participate in the Clean Beaches program, which involves 68 local authorities each summer, supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities, 25 economic partners, and over 100 local associations working together. For the 2025 edition, 45 beaches submitted applications, highlighting the growing enthusiasm among coastal municipalities for this label, which is recognized for promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing local territories.
