Blue Flag Beaches, Croatia

The Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label award given to beaches and marinas that meet strict criteria for both water quality and environmental management. It was introduced in 1987, and sets common standards of good management across Europe.

Today more than 2900 beaches and marinas in 29 countries across Europe, South Africa and the Caribbean in 2004 are awarded with the Blue Flag..

The Blue Flag Campaign is owned and run by the independent non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches/marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.

The Blue Flag Campaign includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators.

The award of the Blue Flag is based on 26 specific criteria for beaches and 16 for marinas. Although the criteria are different for the two types, the Blue Flag flying at beaches and marinas cover the same four aspects of management:

• Environmental education and information
• Environmental management
• Water quality
• Safety and services

Water quality is samples 20 times throughout the summer season and must reach the higher of two standards set in the EC Bathing Water Directive. Beach management criteria include beach cleanliness, wheelchair access, dog control, first aid, safety, and environmental information. Marina management criteria includes provisions for information about the environment, adequate containers for trash and special waste, clean toilets and washing facilities and safety equipment. Beaches and marinas are monitored both before and during the award year to ensure that all criteria are being fulfilled and that the high standards are being maintained.

Croatia has long been proud over its picturesque beaches and marinas. The recognition regarding the quality of sea water and other ecological parameters came when beaches and marinas across the Croatian coast begun receiving the Blue Flag reward.
On the Croatian coast in 2004 there are 98 Blue flags flying on 80 beaches and 18 marinas. Year after year number of Blue Flags given to Croatian beaches and marinas increases significantly. This proofs increase of awarness of importance of a clean and safe environment but also the efforts of the tourist industry to ensure pleasant and safe stay in Croatia to all its guests.