The Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label awarded to over 3300 beaches and marinas in 36 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean.

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

The Blue Flag criteria About the Criteria The award of a Blue Flag beach is based on compliance with 29 criteria covering the aspects of: 1) Environmental Education and Information 2) Water Quality 3) Environmental Management 4) Safety and Services Some criteria are imperative (I), some are guideline (G) and some are non-applicable (NA) for certain regions. All imperative requirements have to be fulfilled, and in addition a maximum number of guideline criteria. All Blue Flags are only awarded for one season at a time. If some of the imperative criteria are not fulfilled during the season or the conditions change, the Blue Flag will be withdrawn.