Rabat – The 2022 “Blug Flag” label has been awarded to 28 Moroccan beaches and two marinas, Morocco’s Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment and the International Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) announced on Monday.
Marina Smir and Al Minaa are the two new beaches featured in this year’s list, the foundation noted in a statement quoted by the Moroccan Press Agency (MAP).
The Atlantic coast has 22 labeled beaches while the Mediterranean coast includes eight beaches, the Saidia marina, and Marina Smir.
With 28 beaches, Morocco now occupies the first place in the Arab world and the second in Africa, making a “notable progress” compared to the previous summers (26 beaches), the foundation highlighted.
In total, 46 beaches had applied for the Blue Flag label in Morocco, but only 28 were able to meet the demanding criteria.
According to the Blue Flag official website, in order to qualify for the label, beaches must meet and maintain “a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria.”
The foundation pointed out the success of the municipalities responsible for managing the cleanliness, security, and overall maintenance of the beaches, with the support of the “Clean Beaches” program and the General Directorate of Communities.
More than a hundred beaches are listed as Clean Beaches for 2022.
Created by FEE in 1987, the Blue Flag label celebrates its 35th anniversary this year and is considered the most important eco-label for beaches worldwide.
There are 4,191 worldwide beaches and 732 marinas recognized with a blue flag throughout 48 countries.
The Blue Flag criteria also include water quality, site management, safety, environmental awareness, and site accessibility.
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