The Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment and the International Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Morocco have recently awarded 26 beaches with the 2020 "Blue Flag" label for their sustainable development approach. These resorts have all been identified by a Blue Flag.
They have been awarded the Blue Flag for “Pure water, clean coastlines, safety and access for all”. It is the challenge that 26 beaches in Morocco have taken up in 2020. These resorts have been awarded the “Blue Flag” 2020 label by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment and the International Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). They were chosen from among 39 beaches in competition in Morocco for their sustainable development approach, particularly in terms of waste management. “From the beginning of the year, the coastal municipalities in charge of beach management in Morocco are accompanied by the Foundation and its partners, including the FEE, to prepare their application,” says the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection.
The 26 Moroccan beaches with the 2020 “Blue Flag” label have been identified by a blue flag. Among them are the beaches of Achakar, Arekmane, Aglou Sidi Moussa, Ba Kacem, Bouznika, Skhirate, El Moussafir, Essaouira, Foum El Oued, Haouzia, Dalia, Oued Aliane, Oued Laou and Oum Labouir, the city of Safi, Souiria lkdima, the tourist resort of Saidia, Cape Beddouza, Sidi Kankouch 1, Sidi Ifni, Imintourga, Sidi Rahal 4th tranche, Oued Al Marssa, Plage des Nations, Ain Diab Extension and Rifienne.
The international “Blue Flag” label has been awarded in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment and the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches, marinas and nautical tourism operators that meet specific standards aligned with the sustainable development objectives of the United Nations (UN). It is in this context that the Saidia marina, located in Morocco, has also been awarded the 2020 “Blue Flag” label.
Outside of Morocco, the Blue Flag ecolabel has been hoisted on 4,425 beaches and marinas in 46 countries in Europe, Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Obtaining the “Blue Flag” label
The criteria for the award of the “Blue Flag” ecolabel include the organization and promotion of educational activities in relation to the space, water quality, management (sanitation), security and accessibility of the site. Also, beaches must maintain the permanent display of relevant information about their biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental phenomena.
Municipalities that have been awarded the label in Morocco are responsible for the complete management of the beaches within their perimeter. They are supported by the “Clean Beaches” programme of the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, backed by the General Directorate of Local Authorities, the ministerial departments concerned and economic partners who provide them with managerial skills and financial support.
Inès Magoum
