Blue Flag is a world-renowned eco-certification for beaches and marinas. Regulated by “Pronatura”, the award is given to those places that stand out for their cleanliness, water quality, security, access and ecological sustainability.
Blue Flags are waving over 30 beaches, 2 marinas and a lagoon in Mexico.
With out a doubt, Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches and is amongst the most visited countries by foreign travelers in the world. In addition, some of them have a certification stand a part from the rest; it is the “Blue Flag” eco-label granted by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education), headquartered in Denmark, and regulated by Pronatura in Mexico. This prestigious award is given to those places that stand out for their cleanliness, water quality, security, access and ecological sustainability. Thus, the distinctive Blue Flag represents a deep commitment to both people and the environment.
The objective of the blue flag program is to connect the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment. For this reason, environmental education activities must be offered and promoted.
Criteria and Benefits
To be considered a “Blue Flag” beach or marina, it must meet 33 strict items including: water quality, security, public toilets, drinking water and first aid equipment, amongst others. Also regular spot checks help to ensure the compliance of Blue Flag sites, which are subject to monthly monitoring, allowing to trace a historical behavior of the area.
The participants in the program receive several benefits such as; improvement in the beach and marina management and greater regulation in seashore procedures.
Flying Blue Flags
In Mexico, six new beaches have been certified in July, 2016. These new Blue Flags are in addition to the beaches and marina that received the certification again this year. With this, the Mexican coast proudly displays 26 beaches and a marina that are currently waving the Blue Flag on shores and giving a step towards the promotion and implementation of Sustainable Tourism in the country.
Currently, Nayarit and Jalisco hold 5 certifications. This Blue Flags can be found at: Nuevo Vallarta Norte, Marina Riviera Nayarit, the first marina certified in Mexico, the only lagoon certified in the country, and seven popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta.
Certification Renewals:
- Nuevo Vallarta Norte, Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit.
- Camarones, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
- Palmares, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
- Playa Oro, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
Marina:
- Marina Riviera Nayarit, Bahia de Banderas, Nayarit.
Lagoon:
- Santa María del Oro, Nayarit.
New certification:
- Playa Amapas, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
- Conchas Chinas I y II, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
- Garza Blanca, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
- Playa Sheraton, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
Update: The certified sites have been updates acoording to the information provided by Pro Natura.
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