|
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Food |
|
Tourism Institute announces record number of 118 beaches with Ecological Blue Flag |
|
 By the A.M. Costa Rica
staff
For the first time since the beginning of the Ecological Blue Flag Program in the beaches category, a record number of 118 outstanding beaches have achieved with this award, which is granted after the organized effort of committees that seek to protect nature in each community. The Ecological Blue Flag Program – Beaches evaluates aspects such as hygienic sanitary conditions guaranteed by the constant analysis of seawater and drinking, security elements such as preventive signage of currents of surf, lifeguard personnel or lifeguards during weekends and during high season of tourism. Other elements that add to scores are the presence of showers, sanitary services, separation and recycling of solid waste, and environmental education. The announcement that 118 beaches had achieved an Ecological Blue Flag came at in Playa Dominical*, located in the South Pacific Zone.The awarded beaches were evaluated during 2018 and achieved from one to five stars. Five communities scored enough to obtain the Ecological Blue Flag with five stars: Playa Matapalo* and Punta el Madero in North Guanacaste, Carrillo Beach* in South Guanacaste, Playa Blanca* and Playitas, all on the Pacific coast. Playa Carrillo obtained the additional distinction of "golden star" due to the commitment of the Community Committee to avoid contamination of local estuaries. Playa Blanca achieved an additional pink star for concrete actions in educational and preventive matters related to the presence of wild species near its beach. Virgilio Espinoza, Chief of Certifications and Social Tourist Responsibility, said, "This Blue Flag program consolidates Costa Rica as a destination that generates unique experiences, wonderful scenery and ensured conservation of its beaches, one of the most appealing attractions for national and international tourists." |
 Ecological Blue Flag Program courtesy photo The
Ecological Blue Flag Program – Beaches evaluates
aspects such as hygienic sanitary condition.
These new distinctions were added by the Evaluation Commission in August last year. The first of the Blue Flag deliveries occurs today on Playa Dominical. The award ceremonies will continue this week on March 20 in Cobano, Puntarenas and on March 21 in Liberia, until the end of March 27 in Puerto Limón. If you wish to nominate your community to receive the Blue Flag award, you must call the Costa Rican Tourist Board at: 506 2299-5800 ---------- Should the Institute also give a cash prize so that the communities can continue to finance cleaning the beaches? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to: news@amcostarica.com *Link to reach the place. |
       |
