The Balearic Islands lost 13 of their blue flags for quality beaches this year and won three new ones, leaving them with 63 in total. They also retained the 22 blue flags previously granted to water sports marinas. The awards were announced on Wednesday by the Environmental Education division of the Consumer Association.
The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to over 3,650 beaches and marinas in over 40 countries worldwide. The programme is owned and run by the independent, non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). It aims to promote sustainable development at beaches and marinas through strict criteria including water quality, environmental education and information, management and safety.
The loss of flags has been attributed to the economic crisis. Due to cut backs some local councils have been unable to fund the required number of lifeguards (two is the minimum for qualifying beaches) or the costly laboratory analysis of the sea water. Despite the slight reduction, the Balearic Islands remain the region with the fourth highest number of flags in Spain. And, of the 36 participating countries in the northern hemisphere, Spain is the country with the highest number of flags.
