Spain Achieves 638 Blue Flags in 2012

Spain achieved 638 Blue Flags in 2012, 540 will fly on its beaches and 98 marinas in their addition to the 174 distinctive “Q” of tourist quality that have earned the Spanish beaches.

This is the best result for the beaches and marinas in Spain, adding 35 more flags to those obtained in 2011.
With its 540 beaches awarded, Spain maintains the global leadership, followed far behind by Greece (394), France (358), Turkey (335), Portugal (275), Denmark (253) and Italy (247).

The Blue Flag is an annual award and a system of environmental quality certification developed by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) since 1987. Encourages and rewards participation in voluntary environmental initiatives of local authorities, local people and visitors, and tourism officials. The criteria for the ‘blue flag’ are grouped into four areas: quality of bathing water, information and environmental education, environmental management, and security facilities.

The Blue Flag is awarded by an international jury chaired by the FEE and the participation of United Nations Agencies for Environment and Tourism, among the candidates selected by national juries. The jury is chaired by ADEAC Spain (Association for Environmental Education and Consumer) and involving the coastal regions, the Federation of Municipalities and Provinces and ministries, foundations and universities involved.