According to a report by environmental news outlet Afrik21 on Monday, the 26 beaches were awarded the Blue Flag for “pure water, clean coastlines, safety and access for all” by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment and the International Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Morocco.

They were chosen from among 39 beaches in a competition in Morocco for their sustainable development approach, particularly in terms of waste management.

According to the Blue Flag official website, in order to qualify for the label, “a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained”, writes Morocco World News.

Determining Blue Flag criteria includes the organisation and promotion of the space’s educational activities, water quality, site management, safety, and site accessibility.

Sites should also maintain the permanent display of relevant information on its biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental phenomena, according to Morocco World News.

These are the 26 beaches that received the Blue Flag status: Achakar, Arekmane, Aglou Sidi Moussa, Ba Kacem, Bouznika, Skhirate, El Moussafir, Essaouira, Foum El Oued, Haouzia, Dalia, Oued Aliane, Oued Laou and Oum Labouir, the city of Safi, Souiria lkdima, the tourist resort of Saidia, Cape Beddouza, Sidi Kankouch 1, Sidi Ifni, Imintourga, Sidi Rahal 4th tranche, Oued Al Marssa, Plage des Nations, Ain Diab Extension and Rifienne.

The Blue Flag label is the global reference on beach and marina quality.

Present since 1985 through the FEE, in 46 countries around the world, the label is sponsored by the European Union, the United Nations and the World Tourism Organisation.

According to their website, the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection joined the Environment and the International Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) as a full member in July 2002. 

Morocco then became the second non-European country, with South Africa, to put its beach heritage under the close scrutiny of this international forum.

African News Agency (ANA)