Definition of blue flag

The term "blue flag" originated from the international eco-labeling program for beaches and marinas launched by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in 1987. The program aims to promote and recognize environmental protection, cleanliness, and safety standards in the tourist destinations. The idea behind the blue flag symbol was to create a visual identification that would be easily recognizable and memorable for tourists. The blue color was chosen as it represents the sea and sky, which are integral parts of the coastal environment. The flag's graphics consist of a white square with a blue circle and two parallel white stripes beneath it. The stripes symbolize the water and land, while the circle depicts the sun, symbolizing environmental protection. Today, over 4,900 beaches and marinas across 50 countries participate in the blue flag program, which is now recognized as a global standard for coastal and tourist destination management in various regions, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. The program's rigorous adoption of environmental protection measures, including recycling, preservation of natural flora and fauna, and the prohibition of single-use plastics, amongst others, has become a symbol of excellence in environmental practices worldwide.