21 beaches and a Marina will hoist the Blue Flag during the 2019 summer season. These sites offer visitors an environment of excellence on the levels of water quality, entertainment, environmental education and awareness.
The Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, presided by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, and the International Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) awarded the international Blue Flag label to 21 beaches and a marina.

In Morocco, the Blue Flag ecolabel is promoted by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, whichwas introduced in 2002 as part of the foundation’s Clean Beaches program. Thanks to the long-term support work of coastal communities, 21 beaches out of 42 candidate beaches were able to meet the demanding criteria of this label, which is increasingly appreciated by beach visitors. With 21 labeled beaches, Morocco ranks first in the Arab world and second in Africa.

The municipalities are responsible for the complete management of their beaches: maintenance, cleanliness, equipment, safety, training, awareness and accessibility. Along this significant effort, they are assisted by the Foundation’s Clean Beaches program, and supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities and the Ministerial departments concerned. Territorial officials are trained in beach and environmental management and awareness tools were made available to enable them to welcome beach visitors in the best conditions. The Foundation evaluates candidates for the Blue Flag and organizes unannounced examinations during the summer.

Municipalities are finally supported by economic partners mobilized by the Foundation as part of the Clean Beaches program, which provides them with managerial skills and financial support.

The labeling of the marina, even more constraining given the necessary investments and adjustments, has been in place for three years. One marina remains a role model: Saïdia, on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean It is holding the Blue Flag for the third consecutive year.

The label was awarded to the following beaches (map attached):

1. Achakar/Tangier-Asilah

2. Aglou sidi moussa/Tiznit

3. Arekmane/Nador

4. Ba-kacem/Tangier-Asilah

5. Bouznika

6. Skhirat

7. El Moussafir/Dakhla

8. Essaouira

9. Foum loued / Laayoune

10. Haouzia

11. Dalia/Fahs Anjra

12. Oued Aliane/Fahs-Anjra 13. Oued Laou/Tetouan

14. Oum labouir/Dakhla

15. Safi

16. Souiria lkdima/Safi

17. Saidia tourist resort

18. Cap Beddouza/Safi

19. Sidi Kankouch 1/Fahs Anjra,

20. Sidi Ifni

21. Imintourga (Mirleft)

The Blue Flag celebrates its 30-year anniversary

The Blue Flag, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year in Europe, is a symbol of exemplary environmental quality. Created in Europe by the French office of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in 1985, this label is managed by FEE, a network of NGOs in 68 countries that promotes and implements environmental awareness and education programs.

Each year, the Blue Flag honors communes and marinas that are committed to sustainable tourism development policies.

Now present in 47 countries on all continents, the Blue Flag has become a world reference in the areas of tourism, the environment and sustainable development.

Each year, it recognizes the beaches and marinas that are committed to implementing a sustainable tourism development policy. The Blue Flag program aim is for the sustainable development of beaches and marinas that ensure strict water quality criteria, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and other services.

Blue Flag label requirements

The Blue Flag, which is awarded to beaches or marinas, provides a positive and dynamic image for both residents and visitors. In this sense, it also promotes general awareness about behavior that is more respectful of nature and its importance. This can be achieved through: strengthening water quality criteria, environmental education, environmental management, safety and services.

As a tourist, going to a Blue Flag beach means choosing a site with a number of facilities to minimize the impacts of tourism. Onsite, visitors will find waste sorting bins for waste recycling and disposal, and restrooms that permit the maintenance of bathing water quality. Bathing safety and accessibility for all are also taken into account, as is information on bathing water quality and on local flora and fauna. The communes, which ensure the label, organize environmental awareness activities in various forms throughout the year, and especially during the summer season.

Labeled marinas

Labeled marinas prioritize the protection of the environment and the marine environment. Recreational boaters have access to: careening areas that do not reject in the natural environment, systems for the recovery of sewage from boats, and special waste recovery areas. Like the communes, the Blue Flag marinas offer environmental activities to raise awareness among boaters and visitors about the environment’s fragility.