Latest news with #CleanBeaches'
Morocco World
12-06-2025
- Morocco World
Morocco Secures 33 Blue Flag Sites, Leads Arab World in Environmental Label
Doha – The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has awarded Blue Flag certification to 33 Moroccan sites during the 2025 summer season, according to a statement from the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection (FM6E). The sites include 28 beaches, four marinas, and one mountain lake. The certification, which evaluates environmental management standards at bathing areas, places Morocco 21st globally among 50 participating countries. According to the foundation's data, this positioning makes Morocco the leading Arab country and second in Africa for Blue Flag certifications. All 27 beaches certified in 2024 have maintained their status for 2025, with Sol beach in Tanger-Assilah province joining the list as a new addition. The foundation attributes this consistency to the ongoing collaboration between local authorities, economic partners, and community organizations. Aguelmam Azigza mountain lake in Khénifra National Park has renewed its certification. Located between a majestic cliff and a forest of century-old cedars, this Middle Atlas jewel has undergone development. Improvements include road access, sanitary facilities, camping areas, and reception services, making it the first natural lake in Morocco to receive this recognition. Tanja Marina Bay has become the fourth Moroccan marina to receive Blue Flag status, following Saïdia (2018), Est Marina Smir (2022), and Al Hoceima (2023). With 1,400 berths, it has reportedly been the largest marina in the country since its 2018 opening as part of the Tangier port redevelopment. The Blue Flag label is based on four fundamental criteria: bathing water quality, environmental information and awareness, hygiene and safety, and sustainable development and management. Surprise inspections are conducted throughout the summer to verify compliance with these standards. All Blue Flag-labeled beaches are integrated into the 'Clean Beaches' program, which mobilizes 68 local authorities (supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities), 25 economic partners, and over 100 local associations each summer. The program collaborates with several institutional partners, including the National Laboratory for Pollution Studies and Monitoring, the General Directorate of Civil Protection, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Ports and Maritime Public Domain Directorate. This coordinated network works for nearly three months during the summer period to improve beach facilities, monitor sand and bathing water quality, ensure safety and health services, and raise awareness among vacationers about environmental issues. For the 2025 cycle, the foundation received 45 beach applications, suggesting increased interest in the certification process among coastal municipalities. Created in 1987 by the FEE, the Blue Flag has become the most prestigious environmental label worldwide. In 2025, 5,195 sites across the globe are part of the Blue Flag global network, with 95% (4,928 sites) located in the northern hemisphere. Read also: 93% of Moroccan Beach Waters Meet Quality Standards
Maroc
30-04-2025
- Health
- Maroc
93% of Morocco's Beach Waters Met Quality Standards in 2024
Some 93% of bathing waters on Moroccan beaches complied with microbiological quality standards in 2024, up five percentage points from 2021, according to a national report presented Tuesday in Rabat. The findings are part of the National Program for Monitoring the Quality of Bathing Water and Beach Sand, which covered 199 beaches and 488 sampling stations—up from 79 beaches in 2004. The report also included beach sand assessments conducted on 64 beaches to evaluate cleanliness and identify sources of marine litter. It found a 21% drop in waste volumes between 2021 and 2024. However, plastics still accounted for 86% of all waste collected, with cigarette butts, plastic caps, and candy wrappers making up more than half of the debris. Speaking at the event, Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Minister Leila Benali said the annual conference serves to prepare for the summer season and mobilize local authorities and beach managers. While welcoming the progress made, she warned that plastic pollution remains a serious threat, with 80% of marine waste traced to land-based sources. Benali called for stronger adoption of ecological solutions through the circular economy and praised initiatives such as the 'Clean Beaches' program and 'Blue Flag' certification, both run in partnership with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection. She urged greater engagement from all stakeholders to reach full compliance. She also encouraged public use of the 'Iplages' mobile app, which provides beach quality updates and promotes citizen involvement in conservation. MAP: 29 avril 2025
