Rabat – The Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasna, has awarded the “Blue Flag” label to 21 beaches and marinas this summer.
The Blue Flag seal of approval is given to beaches and marinas that meet and maintain the organization’s stringent criteria for bathing water quality, information, awareness and environmental education, health and safety, and finally planning and management.
Created in 1985 by the International Foundation for Education at the Environment, the Blue Flag label has been given to 3,687 beaches in 49 countries in Europe, Africa, and America in collaboration with municipalities in charge of beach management. With 21 beaches on the list this year, Morocco ranks first among Arab countries and second among Africa countries.
Out of the 40 Moroccan beaches and marinas that applied for the label this year, 21 received the prestigious certification after a selection process by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasna.
In Morocco, the Blue Flag initiative was introduced in 2002 as part of the foundation’s Clean Beaches program. “Municipal officials are trained in beach management and environmental management and awareness tools are available to enable them to welcome summer visitors in the best conditions,” a statement from the Foundation said.
“We evaluate candidates for the Blue Flag and organize unannounced inspections during the summer.”
The municipalities are supported by economic partners mobilized by the Foundation as part of the Clean Beaches program, which provides them with managerial skills as well as financial support, the Foundation continued.
