Tobago strengthens its position as a leader in sustainable tourism with the 2024 Blue Flag National Operators Meeting

Photo Caption: Ms. Lesley Jones, President of the Foundation for Environmental Education, leads discussions alongside (seated from left) Mr. Johann Durand, Director of Blue Flag International; Mr. Alessandro Ventil, Blue Flag International Coordinator; and Mr. Joaquín Díaz, FEE Director for Blue Flag.

Scarborough, Tobago – October 20, 2024: Green T&T, together with the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) and the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), successfully hosted the 2024 Blue Flag National Operators Meeting (NOM) in Tobago from October 15–18, bringing together over 50 international delegates from 30 countries to discuss sustainable tourism and environmental policies. This annual meeting of National Operators, held at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex, showcased Tobago’s commitment to eco-conscious travel and underscored the island’s growing reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism.

The Blue Flag programme, one of the world’s most recognized environmental certifications, sets stringent standards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boat tour operators. Administered locally by Green T&T with support from TTAL, this year’s NOM focused on aligning efforts with FEE’s GAIA 20:30 strategy, which addresses critical global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

The NOM opened with a welcome ceremony hosted by the Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Honourable Farley Augustine, who welcomed delegates to the island, with a vibrant display of Tobago’s hospitality, local cuisine and culture. In addressing the delegates, the Chief Secretary stressed the importance of the event for the island.

In addition to discussions regarding the future of the Blue Flag programme, this year’s National Operators Meeting in Tobago will also drive the development of a sustainability boat tour operator policy for the blue economy, which will be led by Green T&T and the Blue Flag International Office, with funding from UNDP Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme. With these efforts, the legacy of the 2024 Blue Flag National Operators Meeting in Tobago will be long-lasting, strengthening the island’s reputation as a destination for eco-friendly tourism while fostering long-term connections for future international events and initiatives.

From left: Mr. Julien Skeete, the Administrator in the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation; His Excellency Peter Cavendish, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago; Ms. Lesley Jones, President of the Foundation for Environmental Education; the Honourable Farley Chavez Augustine, Chief Secretary, Tobago House of Assembly; Councillor Tashia Grace Burris, Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation · The Tobago House of Assembly; Assemblyman Niall George, Assistant Secretary for Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation and Ms. Joanna Moses-Wothke, Blue Flag National Coordinator for Trinidad and Tobago and CEO of Green T&T, at the Welcome Dinner for the 2024 Blue Flag National Operators Meeting, hosted under the auspices of the Honourable Farley Chavez Augustine, Chief Secretary of the THA at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex on Tuesday 15th October, 2024.

Also speaking at the welcome ceremony for the meeting, His Excellency Peter Cavendish, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago noted the commonality in objectives between Trinidad and Tobago and the European Union in driving sustainable tourism, and welcomed the opportunity to further discussions for a common strategy.

His Excellency Peter Cavendish, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Trinidad and Tobago during his address at the Welcome Dinner for the 2024 Blue Flag National Operators Meeting, hosted under the auspices of the Honourable Farley Chavez Augustine, Chief Secretary of the THA at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex on Tuesday 15th October, 2024.

Describing Trinidad and Tobago as a cornucopia of talent and genius, His Excellency also praised the selection of Tobago as the host for this year’s event, stating that “whoever chose Tobago for this meeting, it was a sort of an act of genius.” He added:

“You're standing in a country which has produced the only new percussion instrument in the last 50 years, where one third of the world's trade passes outside of the windows, which has the world's number one chocolate, which has the world's number one cocoa genome, which has the world's number one cocoa research centre, which has invented Soca, Sol and Calypso…More importantly as environmentalists…you're standing in the shadow of the boundary main ridge reserve. The legislation enacted at the time by the British Parliament in 1776 is considered to be the first piece of environmental legislation of the modern era.”

Following the strategic meetings, delegates also had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the island’s rich local culture and natural beauty, experiencing some of the most memorable and authentic local attractions that take our visitors beyond the ordinary, including excursions to the historic Fort King George, the UNESCO-designated Main Ridge Forest Reserve, and the renowned Buccoo Reef with the Blue Flag certified Miss Ayana Glass-bottom Boat Tours.

A group photo at Fort King George of the delegation attending the Blue Flag National Operators Meeting.

Through strategic partnerships and initiatives such as the Blue Flag programme, TTAL remains committed to strengthening the island’s brand of Tobago Beyond Ordinary by raising the island’s profile as a leader in sustainable tourism and eco-conscious travel in the Caribbean. Visit tobagobeyond.com and follow the TTAL on social media to learn more.

 

Highlights and Outcomes of the 2024 Blue Flag NOM:

●      Collaborative Sessions on Sustainability: Three key sessions tackled climate change, biodiversity, and pollution, fostering a collaborative space for policy development and knowledge sharing. Presentations included:

○      Secondary Schools: Presentations from the environmental clubs from Signal Hill Secondary School, Bishop`s High School and  Mason Hall Secondary School on their climate change, biodiversity and pollution mitigation initiatives.

○      Climate Action: The Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator outlined funding opportunities, while Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services highlighted projections on temperature rises and their effects on marine life.

○      Biodiversity Initiatives: Discussions on UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere designation and turtle conservation by SPESEAS brought focus to ecosystem protection.

○      Pollution Solutions: The Department of the Environment presented solutions for waste management in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

●      Blue Flag SIDS Strategic Meeting: Led by Green T&T, this session achieved a consensus among THA, private sector, and civil society leaders on advancing the Blue Flag programme in Tobago. Preliminary recommendations were developed to align with local policies, support SDGs, and strengthen the blue economy.

●      Semaphore Recycled Blue Flag Fashion Show: Held on October 17, this unique event showcased designs crafted from repurposed Blue Flags by students from seven local secondary schools. Themed “Paint de Town Blue,” the fashion show celebrated creativity in sustainable fashion while reinforcing the values of the blue economy and Tobago’s rich cultural heritage.

Back: Secondary School Students adorned in their Blue Flag flags recycled fashion pieces. Front Three distinct judges of the secondary school fashion show competition, with the CEO of Green T&T seated far right.

Ongoing Initiatives and Future Goals: Green T&T is currently compiling recommendations from the NOM to support sustainable blue economy policies, specifically for tour boat operations. In collaboration with TTAL, Green T&T will also release a documentary and media content capturing the event’s highlights and key outcomes, broadening public engagement with Blue Flag objectives and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Green T&T’s Commitment to Sustainable Tourism: Green T&T, as the national operator for the Blue Flag Programme, remains dedicated to raising environmental standards and strengthening the blue economy through collaborative projects. This meeting reinforced the shared goals of Tobago’s stakeholders, positioning the island as a model for eco-friendly travel in the Caribbean.

About Tobago

Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, Tobago stands as an enchanting gem, captivating visitors with its pristine beauty and vibrant cultural tapestry. Renowned for its year-round cultural festivals, secluded white sand beaches, and breath-taking natural wonders, Tobago invites travellers to go beyond the ordinary in a setting that remains unspoilt, untouched and undiscovered.

 

About Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL)

Since its establishment in July 2017, TTAL has been at the forefront of transforming Tobago's tourism industry. Our core mandate is to lead the (re)development of Tobago's tourism product and strategically (re)position it as a premier island destination grounded in sustainable development. This includes setting quality standards, training industry professionals, conducting impactful research, developing high-quality products and services, and facilitating strategic investments in the island’s tourism industry.

 

Green T&T

Green T&T, the national operator for the Blue Flag Programme in Trinidad and Tobago, plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainability through internationally recognized environmental standards and certification programs. As a full member of FEE, Green T&T has led the implementation of the Blue Flag and Green Key certifications locally. The 2024 NOM will provide a platform to align stakeholder projects with Tobago’s sustainable tourism goals, achieve consensus among public, private, and civil society sectors, and further the implementation of the Blue Flag Programme in the region.

Blue Flag Programme Launched in Sri Lanka by Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA)

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) of Sri Lanka has officially launched the Blue Flag Programme, a prestigious global eco-label awarded to beaches that meet strict environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility standards. The event, held on 13 September at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo, marks an important step in promoting sustainable tourism and coastal conservation in Sri Lanka.

The launch event was attended by key figures in the Sri Lankan government and representatives from the international community. Mr. Sathyanandan, Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, served as the chief guest, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and the British High Commission.              

Also present were stakeholders from five pilot beaches—Mirissa, Arugam Bay, Unawatuna, and two additional locations—identified in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Blue Flag initiative.

In his address, MEPA Chairman Asela Rakewa highlighted the significance of the Blue Flag certification, underscoring its potential to enhance Sri Lanka’s coastal management practices and promote eco-tourism. MEPA General Manager Jagath Gunasekara, a key figure behind the programme’s development in Sri Lanka, echoed this sentiment and thanked the Ministry of Tourism for its financial support in establishing the pilot sites.

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the organization behind the Blue Flag programme, was represented by Sanskriti Menon, FEE’s appointed mentor for Sri Lanka, who emphasized the global significance of the Blue Flag eco-label and shared experiences from Blue Flag’s implementation in India, where the programme has contributed to local economies, improved coastal protection, and created new opportunities for communities.

Future Plans and Collaboration with Local NGOs

MEPA has also engaged with local environmental organizations to ensure the programme’s long-term success. Jerome Fernando, head of the environmental NGO Ocean Force, is expected to play a key role in coordinating efforts on the ground, although further capacity-building and development are required for the organization to take on its full responsibilities. Menon and other stakeholders have emphasized the need for a dedicated national operator for Blue Flag to manage the programme effectively.

Ocean Force is collaborating with other local NGOs such as Earth Lanka and the Young Biologists Association, whose representatives were also present at the event. These organizations have been active in coastal clean-ups, biodiversity restoration, and community engagement, positioning them as key partners in the implementation of Blue Flag’s sustainability goals.

The launch of the Blue Flag programme represents a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s environmental and tourism sectors. By joining the global network of Blue Flag beaches, Sri Lanka aims to set a high standard for sustainable tourism, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.

In addition to the launch event, MEPA organized a beach clean-up at Sarakkuwa Beach on 14 September, as part of International Coastal Clean-up Day, with volunteers from the local community participating alongside MEPA staff.

As Sri Lanka embarks on this journey, the Blue Flag programme promises to bring lasting benefits to local communities, visitors, and the country’s unique coastal ecosystems.

Combating Plastic Pollution on the Mediterranean Coast: “Plastic-Free Shores, Plastic-Free Waters” Project 2024 Fieldwork Completed!

Plastic pollution poses an increasing threat worldwide every year, seriously threatening the coastal and marine ecosystems of the Mediterranean in particular. The main reason for this problem is that a large portion of the plastics produced worldwide are single-use. While over 500 million tons of plastic are produced each year, more than half of this consists of products that are used only once. These products, which have no chance of being recycled, are usually directed to waste collection sites and ultimately accumulate in the seas and oceans. The “Plastic-Free Shores, Plastic-Free Waters” project, which was launched in 2023 to raise awareness of these environmental problems caused by single-use plastics and to develop solutions, continued with important events in the summer of 2024.

Collaborative Effort

The ‘Take Care of Your Beach’ Project, which was initiated by Foundation for Environmental Education in Turkiye (TÜRÇEV) in 2010, was renewed as “Plastic-Free Shores, Plastic-Free Waters” in 2023 with the collaboration of TÜRÇEV, Ecological Research Society and Antalya Metropolitan Municipality. The project, which was expanded and continued with the contributions of BETUYAB, also received international support this year. This year, the project was financed through the partnership carried out with Conservation Collective through the “Memento Mori World Tour” of British music group Depeche Mode and Swiss watch brand Hublot.

New Contributions and Activities

In addition to the main financial resources of the project, TOMRA Collection, a pioneer in recycling technologies, also contributed to the project. In addition to the support it provided to the project in 2024, TOMRA Collection exhibited a demo deposit return machine produced specifically for the project in the project field activities and presented the most innovative form of recycling to beachgoers.

In addition, various brands such as Star Diving Academy, Precious Plastics Turkey, Pebble, Sürdür Store, Zeero and hotels with Blue Flag awards took part in the events.

The 2024 activities of the project started on June 26-30 at the EKDAĞ Facilities Konyaaltı Public Beach, and continued on July 3-7 at the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism TURAŞ Belek Public Beach. The project continued with the “Plastic-Free July” workshops held with children at the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality Environmental Education and Innovation Center, one of the Blue Flag International Best Practice Awarded Places in the region, on July 16-19. The last activity of the 2024 summer was held on September 4-8 at the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism TURAŞ Lara Public Beach. All activities carried out within the scope of the project were carried out at the Blue Flag Awarded beaches in the region.

The "Plastic-Free Shores, Plastic-Free Waters" project continues to be a beacon of hope for a cleaner future with these joint efforts to protect our seas and coasts. We would like to thank all project collaborators, volunteers, trainers who contributed to the project and all environmental volunteer citizens who visited the project stand and obtained information.

Blue Flag beaches - Economic Growth, Tourism and Sustainable Management. A global study on the Blue Flag programme

On 10th June 2024, an official presentation of a book devoted to the Blue Flag award took place in Murcia, Spain. The event was accompanied by an all-day series of lectures dedicated to Blue Flag. The book explores the economic, social, and environmental impacts that the award has had across the globe and uses multiple case studies to dive into different cultural and economic realities and obstacles related to the local, national, and global management of the programme.  

 

Blue Flag Beaches. Economic Growth, Tourism and Sustainable Management. edited by María A. Prats and Fernando Merino was written with contributions and insights from numerous industry experts and academics, specialising in economics, sustainable development, and tourism.  

 

The study has covered the origins and development of the Blue Flag programme as a pioneer in the field of sustainable award and certification programmes. Past and present political and managerial challenges are also considered, exemplified by varying case studies from across 5 continents. The impact size of the programme is then analysed in regard to promoting environmental education, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals, capacity building, and fostering community engagement. Finally, the future development of the programme is discussed, taking into account possible forthcoming challenges and opportunities. 

 

The publication of the book was celebrated at the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Murcia. A selection of guest speakers discussed the transformation and significance of the Blue Flag awards both: in the global context and from the national perspective of Spain, one of the earliest adopters of the programme. Among the participants, representatives from local and regional authorities and institutions, academics, and professionals with a long-standing relationship with the Blue Flag programme were present.   

 

The event was also livestreamed.  A short recap here by the Murcia University TV

 

For the book description, table of contents, and book preview use the link here.  

And a review of the book by the University of Alicante, here.

31 Years as a Blue Flag Marina: A testament to volunteer dedication

The Blue Flag is a well-known award across the world, providing a reliable guide to compliance with a series of standards on beaches, marinas, and tourism boats. The focus on environmental education is increasingly important as marinas transition towards better resource sustainability and ocean stewardship. Within TransEurope Marinas, many members have flown the Blue Flag for decades and marine sustainability is a topic being explored and developed across different programmes.

Raising the Blue Flag in Marina Punat, Croatia. Marina Punat is another Blue Flag awarded marina and a member of TransEurope Marinas.

Marina Port Zélande, a long-standing member of TransEurope Marinas and located on the Grevelingenmeer in the Netherlands, announced this season that they had received their 31st Blue Flag, one of just a handful of marinas in the world that can count on displaying this award consecutively for over three decades. Indeed, the Blue Flag, like TransEurope Marinas, was founded just over 35 years ago, making Marina Port Zélande an impressive example of a marina that has grown and developed alongside the evolution of the Blue Flag.

Marina Manager Peter de Regt described how the symbol of the Blue Flag, present throughout the marina, contributed to a high level of environmental awareness amongst the marina team, together with visiting and resident boaters. He emphasised the introduction of nature RIB safaris as part of their education programme, reinforcing the link between environmental education and waters sports.

International Blue Flag Director Johann Durand shared his appreciation for the new milestone:

Earning the Blue Flag for 31 consecutive years signifies a remarkable commitment to environmental excellence. This achievement, particularly noteworthy for a sector not typically reliant on such accolades due to an existing high demand, demonstrates exceptional leadership in sustainable practices at the local level.

Marina Punat in Croatia is another prime example of a Blue Flag Marina, having been awarded the accolade for a total of 27 years. Going significantly beyond the basic requirements, they actively promote innovative projects that contribute to the preservation of the coastal environment.

B. Renata Marević, CEO of Marina Punat, commented:

Marina Punat takes great pride in earning the Blue Flag. Since 1998, we have embraced this prestigious recognition as a guiding principle, safeguarding the natural beauty of our land and waters for future generations and elevating the overall marina experience for our residents.

Safety and innovation have proven to be the key drivers for Marina Punat with the development of digital systems for data management, firefighting and energy management, which reduce intervention time in event of an incident. Sustainable and green technologies were introduced early on, with the marina presently working towards covering a minimum of 40% of energy use via a solar power plant in the marina, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 13 tCO2eq. per year.

Blue Flag is currently preparing for new criteria, addressing climate action, biodiversity protection and pollution management in line with the Foundation for Environmental Education’s GAIA 20:30 strategy. With an additional review of the basic pillars of accessibility, safety, and education, the new criteria are expected to be launched towards the end of 2025.

TransEurope Marinas is an association of nearly 80 marinas across 12 countries in Europe. Facilitating cruising to new destinations, berth-holders based in member marinas can benefit from 50% berthing discounts across the network.  Members meet regularly to discuss and share good practices and to support the wider industry in working groups and councils.  

This text was kindly provided by TransEurope Marinas.
More information available at www.transeuropemarinas.com.

Good Practice Competition results for the Northern Hemisphere 2024 International Evaluation

As part of the Northern Hemisphere 2024 International Evaluation, Blue Flag International invited the National Operators to share Good Practice examples from their countries. The theme of this edition was ‘Environmental Education Activities’ that could be related to one of three categories: Climate Action, Biodiversity, and Pollution Prevention.

In total, 41 Good Practices have been submitted by 19 countries as part of the latest International Evaluation round. That included

  • 23 Good Practices related to Pollution Prevention;

  • 12 Good Practices related to Biodiversity;

  • 6 Good Practices related to Climate Action.

The International Jury was then presented with a selection of Good Practices during its meeting on the 24th of April 2024, and evaluated the Good Practices within each category. In this process, relevance, creativity, adaptability, collaboration, and replicability were taken into consideration.

The final rankings are presented below, including the winning top 3 Good Practices from each category.

Environmental Education Activites: Climate Action

©Galway County Council

3rd place - ‘Sea Shore Event’,
Galway County Council, Ireland

An open-for-all event to discover and celebrate the richness of Irish shores. Among other educational activities, a seashore bioblitz was organised. The participants were tasked to find and identify as many living species as possible on the beach and in the sea, learning about local biodiversity, the importance of dune systems, and the role of nature-based solutions in preventing coastal erosion.

©Bridge and B5 beach operator

2nd place - ‘Dam of Posidonia on the Buljarica Beach’,
Bridge and B5 beach operator - Mornar group doo, Montenegro

A water stream that comes down to this beach used to cause frequent floodings, washing out the sand and making the area narrower. In order to mitigate the situation, Posidonia seagrass was planted at the mouth of the stream. Local managers decided that this example could be used to draw tourists' attention to the risks and consequences of climate change. Therefore, information boards were created, along with an awareness-raising quiz that was organised in the beach facilities.

©Palanga Town Municipality

1st place - ‘Mobile Climate Museum’,
Palanga Town Municipality, Lithuania

Sea containers transformed into a mobile museum on climate change. The exhibition presented the causes and effects of climate change, issues related to agriculture, loss of biodiversity, the importance of nature in human life, and offered practical suggestions on how people can make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives. Thanks to its mobility, the museum visited 16 cities across the country, raising awareness on climate-friendly solutions.

Environmental Education Activities:
BIODIVERSITY

©Municipality of Leiria

3rd place - ‘It’s in our hands’,
Leiria, Portugal

This project encouraged local youths to actively participate in nature conservancy activities. First, students learned about specific environmental issues relevant to the region, and the importance of fighting invasive species. Then, the participants were invited to a session of practical restoration activities, which included monitoring the weevil on the beach and controlling and eradicating the beach willow, herb pampas, and acacias. By having a chance to observe and actively contribute to reducing the adverse effects of invasive species in this territory, they improved their understanding of local ecosystems.

©Mayo County Council and Galway City Council

2nd place - ‘Protect Our Dunes’,
Mayo County Council and Galway City Council, Ireland

This initiative consisted of a series of 5 roadshow family events, aimed at raising local communities' awareness of how to protect dune systems in Northwest Ireland. Educational activities during the roadshow included Family Seashore Safaris and Q&A sessions with a Marine Biologist, teaching about dune systems and their biodiversity, as well as spreading knowledge of activities and behaviours that harm or protect the dunes. The project was supported by a social media campaign that promoted simple actions that everyone can take to protect the dunes.

©B7ar Bla Plastic 2023

1st place - ‘My booklet #Ocean without plastic’,
Morocco

To promote collective responsibility and educate about sustainable practices that preserve the Moroccan coastline, engaging booklets were designed. They were distributed at the Blue Flag awarded beaches, summer camps, schools, and to the scouts from the National Federation of Moroccan Scouting. Through numerous exercises and games, children could learn about marine biodiversity and endangered species. They were also able to discover what simple actions can contribute to protecting the beaches and their ecosystem.

Environmental Education Activities:
Pollution Prevention

©ZOFEMAT Solidaridad Municipality

3rd place - ‘BASKET PET: prepare the shot, shoot,
and score for the environment"’,
ZOFEMAT Solidaridad Municipality, Mexico

Basket PET fosters community engagement while gamifying the process of plastic waste recycling. Implemented in 4 different sites, the containers were created with reused pallets. Users remove and dispose of plastic bottle lids, empty the liquid residue in a dedicated tank to avoid contamination, and toss the bottle in the basket to dispose of them in a unique and fun way.

©Port Stanley Municipality

2nd place - ‘Microplastics, recycling, and
Zero Waste education’,
Port Stanley Main Beach, Canada

To enhance pollution prevention and environmental stewardship, three interactive workshops were delivered to local elementary classes. During the first workshop, students learned about the impact of microplastics on local habitats and wildlife, the common sources of microplastic pollution, and bioaccumulation, as well as the importance of the Blue Flag award, ocean and lake clean-up initiatives, and water conservation. The second session engaged thestudents in an interactive Sorting Relay Activity. The province’s new solution and Producer-Led Recycling Program was also discussed. In the last workshop, the students explored the fundamentals of Zero Waste, and were challenged to predict the time it takes for common materials to break down in landfills.

©Şile Municipality

1st place - ‘Civic Amenity Centre Project’,
Sile Municipality, Türkiye

The Şile Municipality designed educational workshops that are carried out at the local Waste Collection Center. Each session starts with basic training on environmental awareness, zero waste projects, recycling, and residents´ civic duties in waste management. An interactive art workshop is delivered where the participants restore old pieces of furniture that are later donated to local people in need. At the end of a session, attendees visit the Waste Houses to improve their knowledge of correct waste disposal and segregation. This is part of a strategy to turn waste collection centres into accessible facilities for residents to learn about circular economy and waste management.

We would like to congratulate our winners and thank all participants, as your Good Practices play a key role in the Blue Flag network, provide relevant inspiration and contribute to sharing knowledge on sustainability across sites all over the world.  

World’s Leading Travel & Tourism Certification Organisations Collaborate to Meet Growing Demand for Sustainability

17 June 2024, Copenhagen, Denmark

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Green Key International, and Blue Flag International are proud to announce our participation in a global collaboration of leading certification organisations dedicated to developing and upholding industry-recognised standards for sustainable tourism.

This significant milestone highlights the critical importance of our 10-year strategic plan, GAIA 20:30, which pledges to empower climate action, protect global biodiversity, and reduce environmental pollution. By joining forces with these respected partners, we collectively enhance our capacity to drive global sustainability initiatives and demonstrate our commitment to creating a more sustainable future by providing transparent, achievable, and affordable solutions for the industry.

Representatives from the organisations which took part in the meeting in Copenhagen. From left to right: Billy Bishop (Travelife for Accommodation, Daniel Schaffer (Foundation for Environmental Education), Patricio Azcárate Díaz de Losada (Responsible Tourism Institute), Elissa Keenan (Ecotourism Australia), Naut Kusters, (Travelife for tour operators), Birte Pelayo (Green Globe Certification), Gary Graham (Green Key Global), Albert Salman (Green Destinations), Marco Giraldo (TourCert)

At the commencement of 2024, leading sustainable travel & tourism certification organisations formed a collaboration to address better practices and improve cooperation across the globe. These certification organisations and their related educational and training bodies include Biosphere: Instituto de Turismo Responsable; Blue Flag; Ecotourism Australia; Good Travel Seal; Green Globe Certification, Green Key: Foundation for Environmental Education; Green Key Global; TourCert; Travelife for Accommodation; and Travelife for Tour Operators.

For more than 30 years, these leading certification organisations have been responsible for developing internationally accepted sustainability criteria, constituting the industry-recognised standard for sustainable tourism. Collectively these organisations have certified more than 19,000 of the world’s leading travel and tourism enterprises, organisations, and destinations.

The hallmark of these certifications has been and continues to be, a focus on transparency, integrity and credibility. This inclusive approach is underpinned by the combined knowledge of industry professionals, academia, quality assurance auditors, destination managers and regulators. All stakeholders contribute and benefit from the ongoing development processes, providing a common platform that neither favours nor discriminates, but promotes the continuous improvement of sustainable performance by all.

As leading sustainability certifiers, these organisations have ensured that the criteria and indicators of the industry-recognised standard have been developed for use in various countries, regions, and geographies. This process has allowed the travel and tourism industry to comply with the standard, via actions that contribute to the sustainability of the communities in which they operate and on which their activity has a direct and indirect impact, promoting more respectful and resilient business models.

The travel and tourism industry and destinations have for many years relied on the indisputable veracity of the professional services delivered by these certification organisations. These organisations’ certification services are underpinned by a quality management approach and assured by independent verification inspections.

Participants in the meeting in Copenhagen from Travel & Tourism Certification Organisations.

Over decades and today, many thousands of travel and tourism enterprises, organisations and destinations utilise the certifications provided by these organisations to prove ESG practices to shareholders, investors, governments, and destination managers. Recently, sustainability’s remarkable rise in popularity with travel consumers has led to an unprecedented demand for certification by many more businesses and destinations.

With the rapidly growing appreciation of sustainability’s immeasurable value, certification organisations have come together to ensure that core values, along with criteria and indicators that define sustainable tourism, are not diluted, or manipulated.

Furthermore, on behalf of their clients and members, the organisations will work collectively to satisfy the requirements of emerging consumer protection legislation such as the European Union Green Claims Directive. This collaboration of certification organisations looks forward to discussing and aligning approaches to future legislation, reporting standards and other requirements relating to sustainable tourism certification.

Concerning their historical roles as founders and developers of the knowledge and practices that have grown sustainable tourism, the certification organisations are dedicated to further fostering a global industry that thrives on sustainability. This includes the development of frameworks and pathways that encourage all enterprises to engage sustainability as a driver for their business. The fundamental goal is to provide transparent, achievable, and affordable solutions for the industry, and assist them in meeting the challenges of operating sustainably and achieving continuous improvement.

This new level of collaboration by certification organisations will further empower travel and tourism to embrace sustainability through rigorous certifications, and promote destinations that endorse eco-friendly practices, support local communities, and preserve cultural richness. To this end, the certification organisations will continue to guarantee that their professional services are provided fairly and affordably across all sectors and to all businesses, including micro and small-to-medium-sized enterprises, that make up the great majority of the travel and tourism industry.

About Blue Flag International
The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism boats. To qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag programme is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment. As such, environmental education activities must be offered and promoted in addition to a permanent display of information relevant to the site in terms of biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental phenomena.

Blue Flag operates under the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and is world-renowned award trusted by millions around the globe. With over 5,100 awarded beaches, marinas and tourist boats in 51 countries, Blue Flag is the leading programme promoting sound environmental education and sustainable management of beaches, marinas and boating operators worldwide.

About Green Key International
Green Key is an internationally recognised programme that certifies hotels, resorts, theme parks, and conference centres, that adhere to strict criteria in social and environmental responsibility, alongside sustainable business practices. Achieving this certification reflects a commitment to exceeding global standards through innovative solutions.

Green Key operates under the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and is recognised by a range of international hotel chain partners and other entities in the tourism and hospitality industry as a preferred sustainability certification partner. With over 5,900 certified businesses in 70+ countries, Green Key is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism and hospitality industry. Learn more at www.greenkey.global.

About Foundation for Environmental Education
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is one of the world’s largest Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) organisations, with over 100 member organisations in 80 countries. With a network of over 60,000 educational institutions, the Eco-Schools, Learning About Forests and Young Reporters for the Environment programmes empower young people to create an environmentally conscious world through experiential, project-based learning. The Green Key and Blue Flag programmes are globally recognised for promoting sustainable business practices and the protection of natural resources. With over 40 years of impactful experience in ESD, FEE’s strategic plan, GAIA 20:30, prioritises impactful action across all five programmes to address the threats of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution.

For more information, please contact:

Alessandro Venti, International Blue Flag Coordinator
Email: alessandro@fee.global

Blue Flag Brazil organises the the XVII edition of the National Workshop

Blue Flag Brazil, in partnership with the City of São Francisco do Sul, held the XVII edition of the National Blue Flag Workshop, focused exclusively on beaches. The event took place on the 26th and 27th of April, at the Villareal Hotel, São Francisco do Sul, and allowed beach managers and municipality representatives to join a dialogue about the programme.

This year’s edition of the National Blue Flag Workshop encouraged the attendees to clarify their doubts regarding the Blue Flag programme and discuss topics such as the programme’s criteria, renewal processes for the award, and procedures for a beach entering a pilot phase of the programme.

Representatives from local and national institutions were brought together, including functionaries from the Municipality of São Francisco do Sul, the local Department of Tourism and Environment, the Ministry of Tourism (MTur), the Secretariat of the Union's Heritage (SPU), the Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion (Embratur) and the Brazilian Society of Aquatic Rescue (Sobrasa), the Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine of Santa Catarina (CRMV-SC) and the Nila Institute. The workshop was also joined by technical managers, secretaries of tourism and environment of the six awarded states in Brazil.

Over the two days, multiple lectures and presentations were given. Edson Teixeira Viana Barros, the coordinator of sustainability and climate actions in tourism from the Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the relevance of sustainable tourism with low carbon emissions.

He presented strategies to mitigate the carbon footprint in the tourism industry, advocating for ecologically responsible practices. His lecture also underlined the need to invest in ecologically conscious tourism infrastructure, as well as to promote destinations that embrace environmental conservation and the richness of local culture.

Rafaela Lehmann Herrmann, a representative of Embratur, presented communication tactics for the international promotion of beaches awarded with the Blue Flag. She explored the possibilities of using the ‘Sand and Beach’ tourism destination image in the global promotion of Brazilian beaches, recognising the segment as one of the most sought-after in multiple countries and markets.

The emphasis was placed on promoting Brazil as a destination of sustainable and responsible experiences, that prioritises quality and safety. Herrmann also shared some practical examples of how the Brazilian Agency for International Tourism Promotion is trying to achieve this objective, such as participation in international fairs and events, or marketing campaigns abroad.

Veterinarian Paulo Augusto Aragão Zunino, from the Regional Council of Veterinary Medicine of the State of Santa Catarina, brought up the question "Dogs on the Beach - Why not?", revealing the risks to the physical health of pets when taken to the beach, including the exposure to high temperatures, ingestion of salt water, contact with toxic substances present in the sand, and the possibility of being involved in accidents or conflicts with other animals.

At the end of the presentation, he highlighted the importance of promoting practices that ensure the well-being and safety of dogs, as well as preserving the harmony of the coastal environment.

Besides, the participants of the National Workshop had an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Orla project, an ongoing initiative of the Environment Ministry and the Planning Ministry on coastal management.

Samanta Cristiano, from the Nila Institute, shared her experiences related to the initiative, pointing out the need for adapting the project to specific realities and interests of each municipality. She then explained the vital role of social participation and cooperation in securing the success and sustainability of initiatives related to the waterfront.

Also, the advances and challenges of the Orla project were presented by Wagneide Rodrigues, from the Federal Heritage Secretariat. She shared the progress of actions related to the implementation of measures to protect and conserve the seafront, the revitalization of degraded areas and the promotion of sustainable development in coastal regions.

Once again, the indispensability of collaboration between different stakeholders – government, businesses, non-governmental organisations, and local communities – was stressed, as well as the importance of municipalities’ integrated management plans for the shoreline, articulation capacity, environmental conservation, and terms of adhesion to beach management.

Lastly, the event inspired the exchange of experiences on environmental education activities by different parties. Success stories of good practices from awarded beaches in various regions of Brazil were shared, including the testimonials from Praia de Itá – SC, the first awarded river beach in the Americas. Additionally, oceanographer Luigi Marchese, who is also responsible for promoting environmental education on the beaches of Bombinhas/SC and Balneário Camboriú/SC gave his insights into effective beach management.

During the second day of the 17th National Blue Flag Workshop in Brazil, the atendees were also invited to participate in a drowning prevention activity promoted by Sobrasa.

The whole National Blue Flag Workshop was sponsored by Hotel Villareal, Villa Real Marina, Arcelormittal, Aegea SC, SC Bulk Terminal and Ambiental, and the City of São Francisco do Sul – located in the north of Santa Catarina, it is the only city in Brazil that has as many as four Blue Flag beaches within its borders.

As part of the workshop, the participants had a chance to enjoy a tour around the city's historic center and visited all four Blue Flag sites.

"It is with great joy that we welcome public managers from all over the country to explore the natural riches of our region and witness the efforts of local institutions in the search for this renowned international award, which attests to the quality of our beaches. São Francisco do Sul is recognised as the 'bluest' city in Brazil, with the largest number of awarded beaches. Our hope is that our four awarded beaches – Praia do Ervino, Praia do Forte, Praia Grande and Praia da Saudade – will serve as an inspiration to other Brazilian states when it comes to preserving our beaches" said Sérgio Murilo Carvalho Oliveira, the deputy mayor of São Francisco do Sul, showing his immense satisfaction in hosting the workshop.

Leana Bernardi, National Coordinator of the Blue Flag Program, expressed her gratitude for the success of the event, calling it ‘a crucial moment for meaningful interactions between participants’. She also highlighted her contentment about the workshop becoming a platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences, solutions, and ideas, that are essential for the further progress and improvement of the Blue Flag programme in the country.

Visit the website of Blue Flag Brazil or read more about the XVII National Blue Flag Workshop (Portuguese only).

INTERREG Baltic Sea Region - BEACH-SOS Project: 1st report out and Workshop Opportunities

upcoming Events:

EPIC restarts internationally recognized Green Key certification and Blue Flag award on Sint Maarten

MAHO – Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) Foundation is proud to announce its reinstatement as the National Operator for both the Green Key and Blue Flag programs for Sint Maarten, effective March 2024. Having previously held this role from 2008 to 2017, EPIC looks forward to once again collaborating with the tourism industry to improve sustainable practices and to ensure that Sint Maarten’s natural beauty and environmental health is retained. The renewed partnership with the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), which operates the programs internationally, reaffirms the local commitment to fostering environmental responsibility within the tourism industry.

As National Operator, EPIC will play a pivotal role in spreading awareness about the Green Key certification and Blue Flag award programs. EPIC’s mission is to engage with all hospitality establishments, including but not limited to hotels, hostels, beaches, marinas, and tourism boats, to encourage and facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices that align with the stringent criteria set by the FEE.

Current President of the Board of EPIC, Fleur Hermanides, stated “EPIC is excited to finally be able to relaunch our certification and award programs for the island. It has been a long time coming, with the disaster caused by hurricane Irma and the deterioration caused thereafter by the pandemic, it took a while for the island to be ready to reimplement these processes, as well as be able to relaunch our National Operator status after our post-Irma hiatus. We are truly grateful to the Ministry of VROMI for having been an essential part of being able to do so, as well as to the businesses that have already stated their interest in reinstating their former accreditation and new ones having shown interest in joining as well.”

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome EPIC back as our Blue Flag National Operator for Sint Maarten. From 2011 to 2017, EPIC has shown tremendous efforts to implement our robust sustainable tourism programs. After years of recovery, it is now time to reestablish the Blue Flag and Green Key programs and to provide local and national stakeholders strong and holistic frameworks to push for climate action, protect biodiversity and fight against pollutants, the three pillars of the FEE’s Gaia 20:30 strategy. My gratitude goes to the EPIC team and stakeholders that will guide and support the programs to champion the sustainable tourism sector on Sint Maarten'' said Johann Durand, current International Blue Flag Director, on the reinstatement.

Green Key recognizes accommodations for their commitment to environmental sustainability, covering areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management. Meanwhile, the Blue Flag awards beaches, marinas, and tourism boats that meet certain standards in education, water quality, safety, accessibility, and environmental management. Although the processes are rigorous, EPIC aims to simplify this while highlighting the marketing advantages and reduced expenses related to water, electricity, and consumables.

EPIC invites all hospitality establishments across Sint Maarten to join them in this endeavor by reaching out to EPIC via Program Manager Mr. Delroy de Lain: ddelain@epicislands.org / +1 721 587 1318. Furthermore, EPIC would like to thank the Ministry of VROMI for their contribution, enabling the restart of this program, the continued partnership of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association and the partnership with the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau from the initiation of the program.

For more information contact:

Delroy de Lain

Program Manager EPIC Sint Maarten

Email: ddelain@epicislands.org

Phone: +1 721 587 1318

About EPIC

Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) Sint Maarten is an independent non-profit foundation founded in 2007, active since 2001, with the mission of protecting the environment through research, restoration, education and advocacy. EPIC is a results-driven organization that works on challenging, under-addressed issues through holistic programs resulting in strategic community-based actions. By recognizing the connections between ecological health, economic vitality, and quality of life, EPIC’s work supports the vision of communities leading the way towards a more resilient and sustainable future for everyone. To learn more about EPIC and its initiatives visit our website at epicislands.org or find EPIC islands on social media.

“Plastic-free Shores, Plastic-free Waters”. Increasing Awareness on Plastic Pollution among Beach Users in Konyaaltı and Serik Public Beaches (Antalya, Turkiye)

Project partners: Ecological Research Association (EKAD), Turkish Environmental Education Foundation (TÜRÇEV), and Antalya Metropolitan Municipality

Funding: Support Foundation for Civil Society (STDV), Conservation Collective, Turquoise Coast Environment Fund, MAVA, GEF, SGP, UNDP

Project description:

The project emerged from three organisations joining forces with the shared goal of combatting littering, particularly the indiscriminate disposal of cigarette butts on the ground instead of in bins. From this initial concept, the project evolved to underscore the idea that fostering a litter-free environment is not solely the responsibility of municipalities; rather, it is a shared responsibility among individuals.

The project's design primarily centred on addressing plastic pollution, with a specific emphasis on the impact of cigarette butts. Plastics, known for their durability and near-immortality, break down into microplastics via photodegradation. These microplastics can enter the food chain, posing significant health risks to living organisms. With global plastic production exceeding 500 million tonnes annually, and nearly half of it being single-use plastics, the urgency to address this issue is paramount. Unfortunately, less than 9% of produced plastics are recyclable, leading to the accumulation of plastic wastes in landfills. A significant portion of these finds its way into oceans, resulting in plastics constituting approximately 80% of ocean pollution. The world's oceans currently harbour around 200 million tonnes of plastics, posing a severe threat to the ecosystem.

Given the escalating plastic pollution on Turkiye’s beaches, exacerbated by litter left by beachgoers, the project partners decided to start the Project in Antalya, a world-renowned tourism centre, and chose two public beaches in Antalya: Konyaaltı and Serik. The project's focus on these specific locations aimed to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution in coastal ecosystems, particularly in the Mediterranean region.

 

The objective:

The project aimed to educate 30 young volunteers about environmental issues and plastics, and then, with their assistance, to execute a series of awareness-raising activities on two public beaches to disseminate information among beach users regarding plastics and their detrimental effects.

The main objectives encompassed highlighting the adverse environmental impacts of plastics and microplastics, educating people about the fact that cigarette butts are also plastic wastes containing toxic chemicals, and presenting alternative options for single-use plastics. Through these objectives, the project aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the environmental consequences of plastic pollution and empower individuals to make informed choices to mitigate its impact.

 

Activities:

In two separate weeks in late July and early August, EKAD hosted a total of 30 participants at its volunteer camp in Belek, organising a comprehensive 2-day educational program. Participants attended courses on ecological footprint, waste impacts, beach pollution, types of plastic, plastic recycling, the concepts and criteria related to the Blue Flag award, and the Marine LitterWatch program developed by the European Environment Agency.

Following the educational sessions, volunteers established information desks on their respective Blue Flag holder public beaches. They conducted thorough clean-ups, adhering to the principles of the EEA's Marine LitterWatch program, categorising and quantifying collected waste to obtain numerical data. Additionally, they recorded beach pollution levels through visual measurements at different hours. Children were engaged in specially designed games and activities aimed at fostering environmental awareness, while informative discussions were initiated with teenagers and adults. The information desk also contained a section where visitors could see, touch and try alternative products for single-use plastics.

Project partners designed and produced three distinct posters highlighting facts, figures, and negative impacts associated with plastics, along with a brochure focusing primarily on single-use plastics. These materials were prominently displayed throughout the activities. Volunteers also conducted surveys with beach visitors, using questionnaires comprising a maximum of five questions to gauge their knowledge and awareness levels.

In all activities, particular emphasis was placed on the pivotal role of beach users in causing beach pollution. The core message underscored that maintaining a clean beach begins with the conscience and awareness of individuals. To visually represent the impact of individual actions, cigarette butts collected from these Blue Flag beaches that are cleaned daily were displayed in 30-litre graded cylinders. This tangible representation served as a poignant reminder of the pollution that individuals can contribute, despite constant cleaning efforts.

 

Outcomes:

The questionnaires revealed that almost half of the beach users were unaware that cigarette butts were in fact plastic wastes, and the likelihood of littering was highly connected to the assumption that someone else would handle the clean-up. The display of cigarette butts in a 30-litre graded cylinder was a powerful visual tool, reflecting how much pollution can accumulate in a single day despite cleaning efforts, raising awareness dramatically.

The section showcasing alternatives to single-use plastics also garnered significant interest from beach visitors, prompting inquiries from several Blue Flag hotels on where to purchase these products.

The posters and brochures created for the project are poised to be valuable tools for drawing attention to plastic facts. Project partners are contemplating adapting these materials into other formats suitable for use in schools, such as flashcards or board games. A dedicated booklet created for volunteers, detailing the program and activities, is envisioned as a guide for municipalities or organisations seeking to undertake similar initiatives.

With the contributions and participation of local municipalities, tourism investor associations, Blue Flag hotels, international participants of an Erasmus+ project, and Rotary Antalya, the project garnered substantial media coverage and attention. A project video has been produced and is available on YouTube.

Project partners are gearing up for phase two, actively pursuing funding opportunities to expand the project's scope. Plans for the next phase include involving schools and collaborating with companies producing alternative goods for single-use plastics. The feedback forms completed by the volunteers overwhelmingly indicate a high level of satisfaction with the project. Almost all participants have expressed their willingness to participate in the project again next year. This positive response underscores the project's success in engaging and inspiring these young individuals, who are now positioned to evolve into instructors for the project's ongoing phases. Their feedback will also play a pivotal role in refining and enhancing the project's design and activities.

The ICOMIA World Marinas Conference 2025 presented at the Dubai International Boat Show

As a part of the preparatory work, the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference 2025 was introduced to the public during the 30th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS) on Friday, 29th February 2024.

Held on the stand of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) & Confindustria Nautica, the presentation familiarised the participants and attendees of the Dubai International Boat Show with the biannual event that brings together marina industry experts and professionals from all around the world. 

The upcoming edition of the renowned conference overseen by ICOMIA Marinas Group will take place on 15-17th October 2025 in Venice, Italy. The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) is a longtime partner of the Foundation for Environmental Education and sits in the Blue Flag International Jury, representing the marine industry. Blue Flag International is proud to support this event and will surely be present during the duration of World Marinas Conference.

The programme of the ICOMIA World Marinas Conference 2025 will revolve around ocean science and conservation, and its attendees will have a chance to delve into the topics of diversity and accessibility. To mark the environmental commitment and sustainable approach adopted by the conference organisers, a professional audit will be conducted, leading to an official RINA certification.

The iconic setting for the 2025 WMC – Venice – has a rich maritime heritage, strong cultural identity, and a history of promoting sustainable tourism practices. At times referred to as a ‘Queen of the Sea”, the location fits perfectly with the conference theme of “setting a course for sustainability”. Venice, as one of the world’s most well-known destinations and a city built on water, is also home to one of the busiest ports in Italy and one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean Sea.

Venice was officially awarded the hosting role at the previous World Marinas Conference 2023, after Alberto Sonino presented a vision for an unforgettable WMC 2025 edition taking place in the 'oldest city of the future'.

Sonino is a member of Confindustria Nautica and the Director of Vento di Venezia, the company that manages Venezia Certosa Marina, the major marina in the Venice lagoon. The venue, being a former shipyard and naval base, now has turned into a successful marina that offers over 400 berths, a boatyard, a sailing school, and artisanal boatbuilding. The ICOMIA WMC 2025 will be held there, in the traditional meeting point between East and West. 

Having attended five World Marina Conferences over recent decades, Sonino is looking forward to building on his experience and planning an event that can be a unique mind-broadening experience and a tribute to the maritime heritage of his native city:

“I’m looking to create a transformative experience that attends to the diverse needs of the industry, strengthens our community, and also offers an exclusive opportunity to see an unconventional side of Venice. Our preconference programme will include guided trips around the lesser-known islands, museums and monuments of the lagoon, and a visit to the MOSE flood barrier amongst other surprises.

With environmental concerns carrying such importance, it is essential that a business trip is eminently productive and justifiable, providing maximum value not just for participants, sponsors, and exhibitors, but also for the destination.”

Since then, the organising committee including Sonino and Roberto Perocchio, a well-known industry figure, the President of Assomarinas - the Italian Association of Marinas, and Councilor of Confindustria Nautica, has been actively promoting the WMC 2025 edition at various trade shows and other industry events, such as Metstrade in Amsterdam, Boot Duesseldorf International Boat Show, the annual conference of US marinas by Assoociation of Marina Industries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the Miami Boat Show.

Roberto Perocchio said:

“The ICOMIA World Marina Conference in Venice will, as usual, be the largest intercontinental meeting of port operators, marina associations, suppliers and consultants, where best practices, new investments, future trends and industry policies will be discussed in depth and new strategies for the future will be developed. International delegates will enjoy a wide variety of speeches and panels with top industry experts, as well as a trip to the region's best marinas and elegant social events where it is easy to generate new joint ventures and business opportunities. Once again, the conference will be a perfect stage of global visibility for the many sponsors who will benefit from almost two years of promotional activity, and the companies that choose to be exhibitors will have close contact during the event with the most important players and opinion makers in the marine industry”.

The enthusiasm for the Venetian edition of the Conference has been already noticed. Thanks to an early start and proactive management team, led by Sonino and Perocchio, and supported by ICOMIA president Darren Vaux and CEO Joe Lynch, the WMC 2025 has already attracted significant regional and global interest, as well as substantial funding from several sponsors.  

This includes strong regional support including the patronage of the Ministry of Infrastructures and Ministry of Infrastructures and Transport, the Ministry of Tourism, the Veneto Region, the Municipality of Venice, the Port System Authority of the Northern Adriatic Sea, and the cooperation of Venice Marco Polo International Airport managed by the SAVE group, Confindustria Nautica, Assomarinas, Confindustria Veneto Est, the Venice Boat Show managed by Vela Spa, and the ICE-Agenzia for the promotion abroad and internationalisation of Italian corporations (ITA, Italian Trade Agency).

Darren Vaux, President of ICOMIA, said:

“The ICOMIA World Marinas Conference is the most prestigious global marina conference. It is the one opportunity when marina leaders from across the world meet to share the latest trends and technologies, to shape policies and to inspire and inform the next generation of our industry’s leaders. We are delighted to be able to welcome the marina industry to Venice, a location steeped in maritime history and look forward to another world leading event.“

Joe Lynch, secretary general of ICOMIA, represented the event at Dubai International Boat Show. He said:

“We are so excited about bringing the IWMC to Venice in 2025. To be able to host the world’s most informed and inspiring marina industry leaders in such an inspiring location is a chance not to be missed. We are delighted that our sponsorship partners are so keen to become involved, whilst our members are already booking their places as attendees. Please get in touch if you would like to sponsor, exhibit or attend this landmark event whilst places are still available”.

Federico Caner, Veneto Region's Councillor for EU Funds - Tourism - Agriculture - Foreign Trade, presented the event at the BIT - International Tourism Exchange held in Milan, Italy, and highlighted the importance of the event, since it involves a plurality of public and private players of international calibre in the pleasure boating sector. The Veneto region boasts facilities of excellence that generate a significant induced activity in the area and are undertaking a path of development in the areas of innovation and environmental sustainability. For these reasons, the event, which falls within the context of sustainable tourism and conference tourism, is included in the calendar of Great Regional Events in preparation for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, with a view to synergic development with other tourism segments.

Simone Venturini, Councillor for Tourism, Employment and Economic Development of the Municipality of Venice, emphasised the importance of the event, which confirms Venice's vocation and competitiveness also in the field of conference tourism, and praised the collaboration between public institutions and private operators in attracting major international events on strategic issues in the area. Pleasure boating, which combines the themes of tourist hospitality with the management of strategic coastal infrastructures, such as marinas, is a production sector of national excellence that generates an extraordinary induced socio-economic return. Venice's historical vocation for shipbuilding, services and equipment for pleasure boating has been the subject of an important relaunch implemented by the City Council through the Venice Boat Show. The World Conference of Tourist Ports is part of the promotion of quality tourism with a high impact on the entire lagoon territory in the path of qualification, de-seasonalisation and de-localisation of tourist flows.    

 

Do not miss this opportunity to be part of the unique conference with inspiring world-class events, as the industry sets a course toward a sustainable and prosperous future for marinas around the globe! Check www.worldmarinaconferencevenice.com for further information or contact iwmc25@ventodivenezia.it.

 

 

 
 

About ICOMIA

The International Federation of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) brings together the national associations of the marine industry into a single global organisation and represents them at international level by expressing a strong and united voice in the context of the various economic and organisational challenges facing the sector. ICOMIA has been an active promoter of the international marine industry since 1966, working with authorities, regulatory bodies, and related organisations to facilitate and encourage the growth of the recreational marine industry worldwide, while maintaining policies and guidelines to ensure the success, protection and growth of the industry.

www.icomia.org


About ASSOMARINAS The Friendly Italian Marina Network

The Italian Tourist Ports Association - ASSOMARINAS - has been operating since 1972 to create a "network" between the accommodation facilities for recreational boating along the Italian coasts.

Assomarinas strengthens the exchange of information and services between tourist port operators by assisting members in carrying out their activities for a constant improvement of the services offered.

It represents the operators at a Regional and National level with the support of Confindustria Nautica, the Association of Shipyards, Nautical Industries and Related Industries to which Assomarinas belongs.

The Association promotes nautical tourism by participating in the most qualified sector conferences and boat shows, working incessantly for the growth of the nautical tourism sector and for the formation of a more favorable sector policy through Federturismo Confindustria, the system Confindustria for tourism.

To support the importance of accommodation facilities for nautical recreation on an international level and to encourage the training and updating of operators, Assomarinas also actively participates in the organisation of the ICOMIA WORLD MARINAS CONFERENCE.

CONTACTS: Cavallino Treporti (VENICE region, Italy) Ph. +39 041 5371397 info@marinas.it press@marinas.it

 

About Vento di Venezia and Venice Certosa Marina

Vento di Venezia was founded in 2003 with the objective of designing, building and managing facilities and services for pleasure boating in the Venice Lagoon, as well as promoting the physical and socio-economic regeneration of the Venetian territory through the pleasure boating industry

In 2004, a multifunctional service centre was built by Vento di Venezia on the previously abandoned Certosa Island, to allow its redevelopment and integration with the city of Venice, through the establishment of economic activities and services for both residents and tourists. Vento di Venezia has also built and manages Venezia Certosa Marina, which includes high-end harbour facilities, a shipyard dedicated to the construction of traditional Venetian boats, a hotel accommodation facility, spaces equipped for sports and cultural events and a nautical training centre. www.veneziacertosamarina.it

 

About CONFINDUSTRIA NAUTICA - The Italian Marine Industry Association

The Italian Marine Industry Association, Confindustria Nautica, is the national non-profit institution that since 1967 has represented the interests of the entire yachting supply chain on a national and international level, dedicated to encouraging and enabling the growth of the sector's businesses, promoting marine culture and developing nautical tourism across Italy.

Initiatives provided by the Italian Marine Industry Association include the collection, processing and dissemination of industry data gathered from throughout the yachting supply chain and nautical tourism segment, in relation to both domestic and international markets. It also promotes the technical and economic development of the sector through the development of research projects, publications, indepth studies, debates and conferences.

Every year, the Italian Marine Industry Association - CONFINDUSTRIA NAUTICA - organises a brimming programme of international events to promote the yachting industry in Italy and abroad, including the Genoa International Boat Show, Design Innovation Award, Italy's National Sea Day, the Sailor of the Year Award, the Satec Convention and Boating Pioneer Award, all adding to a year-round calendar of international events devoted to the industry's latest developments and most pressing issues.

 

New cooperation agreement for a climate-sustainable future of Coastal Tourism

In January 2024, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and The Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement sets the stage for GERICS and FEE to exchange their knowledge and experience, and ultimately develop joint initiatives on climate action at local, national, and international scales.

GERICS is an independent scientific organizational entity of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon. Based in Hamburg, Germany, the interdisciplinary team of GERICS focuses on developing scientifically based prototype products and services to support decision-makers in politics, business, and public administration with climate change adaptation.

Blue Flag is one of five programmes operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The iconic Blue Flag award recognises beaches, marinas, and boating tourism operators that comply with a stringent set of criteria regarding sustainability, safety, accessibility, and educational activity.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed between FEE and GERICS will play a crucial role for both parties in pursuing their common strategic objectives connected with climate change education. By mutual acknowledgement and promotion, the new partners will support and encourage each other’s activities related to climate-sustainable beach and coastal tourism management, as well as the co-development of adapted climate services.

FEE’s Blue Flag programme acts as a catalyst and hub to enable the carry-out of numerous research activities and projects towards climate action. Blue Flag’s management and educational expertise will also be shared to create new opportunities for diverse initiatives and to facilitate their implementation process. GERICS will offer its expert scientific assistance to FEE, particularly to the Blue Flag programme, to consult on and support the evidence-based planning and management of the Blue Flag awarded sites. GERICS’ participation in this collaboration will also pave the way for further development of climate services and multiple climate-relevant scientific outputs. 

FEE and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, the governing organisation of GERICS, have already enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the launch of the Beach-SOS project funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region. Inaugurated in August 2023, the Hereon-led initiative addresses challenges related to the adaptation of sustainable practices by regional coastal tourism management units. With FEE as an associated project partner, the Beach-SOS project aims to enhance the capabilities of local governments, Blue Flag beaches, coastal tourism businesses, business support units, NGOs, and coastal communities to become ‘climate-smart’. The initiative seeks to provide beach management units with the best available climate change data and information, considered essential for developing and implementing an effective adaptation strategy.

With the establishment of common objectives, both organisations seek to actively contribute to the sustainable development of coastal management in its environmental dimensions, in respect of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 13 ‘Climate Action’, as well as FEE’s strategic plan GAIA 20:30.

BEACH-SOS stakeholder meetings in Saulkrasti: building a shared understanding of coastal, tourism and climate challenges.

The INTERREG-Baltic BEACHSOS project, which aims to assess the impacts of climate change on the Baltic Sea coast, held a series of meetings in Saulkrasti, Latvia from 22-24 January.

The workshop brought together local authorities, businesses, and communities to discuss the challenges faced by the Baltic Sea coastal tourism and to develop sustainable solutions for the future.

The project team met with the representatives from the Saulkrasti Municipality, learning about their views and responsibilities on coastal management, while sharing their objectives and activities of the project.

Meeting of Saulkrasti Municipality departments. Image: ©Saulkrasti Municipality

The team also engaged with different stakeholders from the public and private sectors, such as tourism operators, fishermen, environmentalists, and residents, to explore their visions and preferences for the future of the coast and tourism in 2030 and 2050.

Workshop of stakeholders in Saulkrasti, Latvia.

Image: ©Saulkrasti Municipality

Workshop with 12 graders of the Seja Elementary School. Image: ©Seja Elementary School

The last meeting was a creative session with a group of schoolchildren from Seja Elementary School, who expressed their opinions and concerns on climate change through AI images of the coast.

The meetings have successfully raised awareness of climate change and promoted dialogue between the different stakeholders in the coastal zone, with more than 50 people taking part. But this is just the beginning of the dialogue between coastal communities and authorities.

A series of workshops and events are planned for Germany and Denmark as part of the Beach-SOS project. The Beach-SOS project aims to have a regional impact on improving the sustainability of the coastal tourism sector in the face of climate change. These upcoming workshops and events will further engage stakeholders, share best practices and develop concrete strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on coastal areas and tourism activities.

 

The BEACH-SOS team, January 2024

The BEACH-SOS project, co-funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme 2021-2027, helps coastal communities to adapt to climate change. 

Tobago Boat Operators Miss Ayana and Top Catch Charters are once more awarded the Blue Flag

Once again Tobago boat operators Miss Ayana and Top Catch Charters have been awarded the Blue Flag award. Top Catch Charters has maintained this award for three consecutive years, while Miss Ayana has achieved it for the second time. These two operators have consistently showcased their commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable operations.

The recent certifications were distributed on November 22nd, during which the boat operators received Blue Flag certificates, plaques, and flags to display their dedication to sustainable practices proudly. This accomplishment is a significant milestone for Tobago tourism as it prioritises eco-friendly initiatives that benefit visitors and the local environment.

The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) was present for the awarding ceremony and stated the following:

“This award signals the continued ability of the two boat operators to maintain the standards set out by Blue Flag. They act as a draw to the destination for travellers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint while resident, and as an example to other boat operators locally and within the region. The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited will continue to promote the Blue Flag programme among boat operators and pursue full Blue Flag status for the pilot beaches at Mt. Irvine, Bloody Bay and Kings Bay.”

Jenna Reid of Top Catch Charters receives the 2023-2024 Blue Flag award with members from the Tobago Tourism Agency and Green T&T

Top Catch Charters boat operator Shivonne Peters and her team have been in the programme since 2021 and shared the following about their continued involvement and benefits derived,

“We have seen sustained and continued benefits from the Blue Flag programme in terms of the efficiency of our operations, our safety practices and in promoting sustainable practices for our guests and in our community. Our customer base continues to widen as more visitors seek sustainable tourism activities. Through the programme, we have been able to conduct environmental projects and collaborate with stakeholders to conserve Tobago’s marine environment”.

Boat Owner Dexter Black receives his Blue Flag plaque for the 2023-2024 season

Dexter Black, operating the second-time awarded Miss Ayana Glass Bottom Boat, added:

“The management and crew of Miss Ayana are delighted to have our Blue Flag award renewed for the year 2023/2024. We are excited and willing to operate in a sustainable and eco-friendly environment. The blue economy is vital for us as an island and nation, and we must preserve it for generations to come.”

Green T&T, as the National Operator for the programme in Trinidad and Tobago, actively seeks to collaborate with beach management, boat operators, and marinas across both islands. Their united goal is to enhance sustainable practices in marine environments by promoting participation in the esteemed Blue Flag programme. Working together, Green T&T strives to elevate the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible tourism.

For more information about the Blue Flag programme in Trinidad and Tobago, please email Green T&T at blueflag@green-tt.org or visit their website, www.green-tt.org.  

Blue Flag’s 30th Anniversary in Kocaeli Municipality, Türkiye - Mud Removal Project - Best Practice Field Trip

During the event, attendees visited one of the initiatives known as "Cleaning, Dewatering, and Disposal Service of Izmit Gulf's East Basin Bottom Sludge" project. This initiative, backed by the Presidency's Strategy and Budget Department, aims to protect the Gulf of Izmit's environment. Led by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change and the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, it targets clearing bottom mud in the Gulf's eastern basin to improve the area's environment. Additionally, Kocaeli Municipality, in partnership with TÜBITAK, MAM, and Istanbul University, is conducting thorough studies on the accumulated bottom mud, studying currents, surface water, and human activities in the region.

The research findings highlight the significant role of accumulated bottom mud in generating unpleasant odors and increased turbidity, especially during meteorological occurrences like southwesterly winds. This sediment obstructs water circulation, triggering detrimental effects such as algal blooms and a reduction in dissolved oxygen levels, creating an inhospitable environment for the marine ecosystem.  Notably, the study establishes a direct correlation between the bottom mud and the formation of mucilage in the Marmara Sea, adversely impacting the overall ecosystem.

The launch of a specialized project marks a crucial milestone in the restoration efforts for the Izmit Gulf, with far-reaching implications for the entire Marmara region, a vital Mediterranean corridor. This ambitious two-stage initiative aims to cleanse around 720 million tons of bottom mud across an extensive 8.5-hectare area. Upon the successful completion of the second phase, Izmit Bay will be ready for regeneration, planned to resemble a "giant aquarium," reflecting its pristine state from earlier times.

The implementation of the project involves the meticulous removal of sludge from the seabed through specialized pipes, facilitating its transportation to a designated "dewatering facility" situated behind the Izmit Athletics Track. The comprehensive endeavor is slated for completion over a five-year timeline, underscoring a dedicated commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable marine practices.

, ,

TÜRÇEV's and Blue Flag’s 30th Anniversary in Türkiye

, ,

Between 7th and 10th November 2023, one of our leading member organisation TÜRÇEV held a national event in honor of the 30th anniversary of the organisation and Blue Flag in Türkiye in Kocaeli, Turkiye with the support of the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality which is having nine Blue Flag beaches within the area of a metropolitan city.

During the Blue Flag 30th-year event, an International Panel discussion featured speakers from FEE Global (Johann Durand), FEE Spain-ADEAC (Virginia Yuste Abad), FEE Greece-HSPN (Dareia-Nefeli Vourdoumpa), and FEE Turkiye-TURCEV (Almila Kindan Cebbari). Following this, significant addresses were delivered by key representatives from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.

The schedule included presentations showcasing best practices from coastal municipalities and local associations relating to Blue Flag criteria and the responsibilities of local supervisors. The attendees were representatives from 50 diverse coastal municipalities, including beach managers.

Among these presentations, two notable best practices were highlighted from Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality. These included the monumental Izmit Bay Mud Removal Project area and the Ormanya Biodiversity Reserve and Educational Natural Life Park, representing significant environmental renovation and conservation efforts within the Turkish Republic.

The event included a field trip to a Mud Removal Project taking place in Kocaeli Municipality, read more here:

Blue Flag’s 30th Anniversary in Kocaeli Municipality, Türkiye - Mud Removal Project - Best Practice Field Trip

,

International announcement of Blue Flag Awarded sites - Southern Hemisphere 2023/2024 season

,

The second Blue Flag International Jury meeting of 2023 took place this past September, and we’re proud to announce that 193 sites from 11 countries have received the Blue Flag award for the upcoming season in the Southern Hemisphere.

These sites join the previously awarded beaches, marinas, and tourism boats awarded by the International Jury in the Northern Hemisphere round that took place in April, for a total of 5038 sites awarded in 2023 (4205 beaches, 711 marinas, and 122 tourism boats).

We would like to also congratulate the winners of the Best Practice competition for the Southern Hemisphere 2023/2024 International Evaluation. The final ranking is published below.

For the category “Accessibility / Access for all”, the ranking is as follows:

The Paradisus brand, managing awarded Blue Flag beaches “El Cortecito” and “Bávaro”, implemented am inclusion program, which gives work opportunities to people with hearing, visual or motor disabilities as well as elderly disabled people. The program seeks to incorporate people with disabilities in all areas of the brands operations. Paradisus also conducts sensitisation dynamics with the staff to create an environment conducive to their integration, such as sign language formations.

© Bávaro Paradisus Palma Real (Dominican Republic)

As part of a campaign of the presidency of the Dominican Republic on accessible tourism in the country, a series of informative videos were recorded. These highlight the importance of Blue Flag Beaches for the establishment of accessible tourism destinations. A recording team accompanied the Blue Flag National Jury, in order to illustrate that tourism destinations in the Dominican Republic are increasingly friendly for the transfer, movement, and enjoyment of people with disabilities.

© IDARD

In Praia Grande de Caravelas (Brazil), the site managers wish to give the possibility for people with impairments or disabilities to enjoy their experience at the beach with the adequate equipment, from the parking to the water. Amphibious wheelchairs and a bamboo ramp are available and allow a safe and accessible sea bath. The lifeguards offer their help to the beach users wishing to access the water. The municipality also provides special parking spots close to the beach facilities, as well as accessible toilets and showers.

© Praia Grande de Caravelas (Brazil)

These efforts collectively demonstrate a commitment to fostering accessibility and ensuring that everyone can enjoy beach destinations.

Once again, Blue Flag International thanks its valuable institutional partners EEA, ENAT, EUCC, ICLEI, ICOMIA, ILS, UNEP, UNESCO, and WCA for sharing their expertise and for participating in the International Jury of the programme.