Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs promoted debate on coastal beach areas and bathing waters
The Regional Directorate for Sea Affairs promoted this week the third regional meeting of coastal beach areas and bathing waters with two sessions that took place on the islands of Terceira and São Miguel.
This technical meeting was intended to assess the 2017 bathing season. It discussed several topics that are essential to the preparation of the next year's bathing season, with special emphasis on the implementation of the environmental education programme designated as "Blue Flag" and the promotion of safety in bathing areas.
The sessions were attended by more than fifty representatives from various entities responsible for overseeing beach areas and bathing water quality. Furthermore, the events also involved the participation of those involved in the monitoring of "Blue Flag" and "Accessible Beach, Beach for All!" programmes: Regional Directorate for Tourism, National Maritime Authority, Regional Health Authority and several health delegations, municipalities and parish councils, natural parks, the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory, ANSA - Life Saving Society of the Azores and the European Blue Flag Association, among others.
"The participants of representatives from several islands of the archipelago allowed the identification of common difficulties and possible solutions," said the Regional Director for Sea Affairs.
Filipe Porteiro also considered that it allowed "the sharing of experiences and good practices that promote the use of beach areas in optimal conditions for those who live in the Azores as well for those who visit the Region."
Further information on beach areas and bathing water of the Azores is available at www.aguasbalneares.azores.gov.pt.