Greece Number 2 in the World of cleanest beaches

The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature announced on Monday that 486 Greek beaches and 12 marinas were awarded the “Blue Flag” in 2017, boosting Greece to number two place in the world rankings of countries with the cleanest beaches.

The figures suggest an increase in number of beaches to receive the recognition since 430 carried the flag in 2016 along with 9 marinas. The peninsula of Halkidiki had the most Blue Flag beaches listing 71 with Blue Flag honours.

According to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, 25 percent of the newly honoured winning beaches are in Greece.

The “Blue Flag” is a voluntary eco-label awarded to beaches across the world and is run by the independent, non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education based in Copenhagen. The EEPF is the program’s coordinator for Greece.

On a worldwide scale the foundation awarded the international eco-label (blue flags) to 3,574 beaches, 662 marinas and 50 sustainable tourism boats for 2014.

The Blue Flag is awarded to beaches that follow requirements that include Environmental Education and Information, Water Quality, Environmental Management and Safety and Services.

This year, which has been named the International Year of Sustainable Tourism Development by the UNWTO, the Blue Flag celebrates its 30th anniversary.