Costa Rica´s Blue Flag Ecological Program

The Blue Flag Ecological Program was launched in 1996 by the National Water and Sewer Service (Instituto de Costariccense Acueductos y Alcantarillados, or AyA), with the support of the Ministries of Environment and Energy, Education, and Public Health, as well as the Costa Rican Tourism Institute and Costa Rica’s Tourism Business Chamber.

Under the Blue Flag Ecological Program, the Costa Rican beaches are evaluated based on strict criteria. The beaches are assessed according to the water quality of the ocean and the drinking water, waste disposal, sanitary facilities, tourist safety, provision of environmental education in schools, and involvement of the community in beach maintenance. Only beaches with a score of 90% succeed in receiving the Blue Flag. Beaches awarded the Blue Flag are then monitored on a monthly basis for sustained maintenance.

The Program awards the Blue Flag with One, Two, or Three Stars to indicate levels of environmental protection, conservation, and community involvement. Communities are awarded One Star for meeting 90% of the environmental protection criteria, Two Stars for meeting 100% of the criteria and contributing to reduction in pesticides within the watershed, and Three Stars for meeting the Two Star criteria and promoting social responsibility in the community and schools. This is the highest possible level of recognition for achieving ecological protection and sustainability in Costa Rica.

The Blue Flag Ecological Program was founded with the purpose of improving education and information regarding the environment. Since then, it has successfully helped promote protection of the natural surroundings and increase public knowledge in this regard. The proof of this is that every year, more and more Costa Rican beach communities compete for the Blue Flag and work for the purpose of the Blue Flag Ecology Program. The success of the program has inspired authorities to expand it to non-coastal communities as well.

The program is directed and administered by the National Blue Flag Commission, which is made up of representatives from the Ministries of Public Health, Environment and Energy, and Education, as well as the Costa Rican Tourism Institute, the Costa Rican Water and Sewer Institute, and the National Chamber of Tourism.

Every year, the commission works together with the Technical Commission to grant or revoke the award depending on the results of annual reports and inspections. Applications to receive the Ecological Blue Flag certification can be made in one of the following three categories: Coastal Communities, Non-Coastal Communities, and Educational Centers.

Sources: EfD, EARTH University, GoVisitCostaRica/Delfina Travel Group Inc, 1888pressrelease.

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