The 27 beach areas in the Azores that have applied for the Blue Flag award this year were all approved by the International Jury of this environmental quality certificate that distinguishes the effort undertaken by several entities to improve marine and coastal environment.

The Blue Flag is awarded annually to beach areas, marinas and recreational ports that submit their applications and meet a set of environmental, safety, comfort, information and environmental awareness-raising criteria.

The Blue Flag Programme is promoted in Portugal by the European Blue Flag Association (ABAE) whereas its implementation in the Azores is carried out by the Regional Secretariat for Natural Resources, through the Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs.

The awarding of the Blue Flag to beach areas takes into consideration 27 criteria, of which 23 are mandatory and comprise four categories: Water Quality, Environmental Information and Education, Environmental Management and Infrastructures, Safety and Services.

With regard to the marinas and recreational ports, 22 criteria are considered, of which 19 are mandatory.