Still A Long Way to Go For A Clean Sea in Sicily
Sicily has only four beaches awarded with the BLU FLAG by FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education): Catania, Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, Pozzallo, Menfi. This is the same number as last year. Tuscany leads with 15 and Liguria follows with 14. Sardinia has only one. It certainly makes you think when the two biggest Italian islands have only a few beaches in this prestigious ranking. Obviously, more needs to be done to have a clean sea.From the Fee-International web site:
The Blue Flag is a voluntary and exclusive eco-label awarded in 2006 to more than 3200 beaches and marinas in 36 countries across Europe, Morocco, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand and the Caribbean.
The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas through publicly awarding sites that meet strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services. A few of the issues covered in the criteria include cleanliness, provisions for waste and recycling, zoning of activities, and environmental education activities for a variety of people. The Programme has also recently started a voluntary scheme for private boat owners called the Individual Blue Flag, which boaters can fly if they have signed and agreed to follow an environmental code of conduct.
Since 1987 the number of beaches and marinas participating in the Programme has increased, despite toughening criteria. The criteria are updated as needed to keep abreast of new scientific findings, legislation, and generally to keep the campaign participants striving for ever better environmental quality.
A list of the most beautiful Sicilian beaches
More about International FEE
See the list of Bandiera Blu in Italy (Italian)
