The Blue Flag programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, nongovernmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education). The Blue Flag programme was started in France in 1985. It has been operating in Europe since 1987 and in areas outside of Europe since 2001, when South Africa joined. Today, Blue Flag has become a truly global programme with an ever-increasing number of countries participating in the programme.

 

The Blue Flag programme promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine areas. It challenges local authorities and beach operators to achieve high standards in the four categories of: water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. Over the years, the Blue Flag has become a highly respected and recognised eco-label working to bring together the tourism and environmental sectors at local, regional and national levels.

 

The explanatory notes given in this document make up the common and shared understanding of the Blue Flag beach criteria and the requirements for the implementation thereof. The explanatory notes provide details on the measurement and management of compliance with the Blue Flag beach criteria.

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