Latest news with #FEE
Ya Biladi
05-07-2025
- Ya Biladi
Blue Flag flies high at Essaouira beach for 21st year in a row
The international Blue Flag was raised on Friday over Essaouira beach for the 21st consecutive year. Awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag label has been promoted in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, chaired by Princess Lalla Hasnaa. An official ceremony was held to celebrate the certification of the «City of Alizés» beach under the national Clean Beaches program. The event was attended by the Governor of the Province, Mohammed Rachid, along with representatives of local and security authorities, heads of external services, civil society actors, and other public figures. Speaking to MAP, Mohammed Hassou, Director of Ports for the Marrakech-Safi region, stressed that the recognition is the result of a collective effort to improve bathing water quality, upgrade beach infrastructure, promote environmental education, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. He added that the National Ports Agency (ANP), as a public institution, reaffirms its commitment to advancing environmental awareness and encouraging younger generations to take part in protecting the environment and preserving Morocco's coastal assets. For the occasion, awareness booths run by local associations and organizations were set up to educate beachgoers on eco-friendly habits and local environmental initiatives. This summer, the Blue Flag will fly over 28 beaches, a mountain lake, and four marinas across Morocco. With 33 certified sites, the country ranks 21st globally out of 50 participating nations. Morocco also holds the distinction of being the leading Arab country and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag-certified locations — a demanding international ecolabel that recognizes exemplary environmental management of recreational water areas.
Ya Biladi
04-07-2025
- Ya Biladi
Blue Flag flies high at Essaouira beach for 21st year in a row
The international Blue Flag was raised on Friday over Essaouira beach for the 21st consecutive year. Awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag label has been promoted in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, chaired by Princess Lalla Hasnaa. An official ceremony was held to celebrate the certification of the «City of Alizés» beach under the national Clean Beaches program. The event was attended by the Governor of the Province, Mohammed Rachid, along with representatives of local and security authorities, heads of external services, civil society actors, and other public figures. Speaking to MAP, Mohammed Hassou, Director of Ports for the Marrakech-Safi region, stressed that the recognition is the result of a collective effort to improve bathing water quality, upgrade beach infrastructure, promote environmental education, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. He added that the National Ports Agency (ANP), as a public institution, reaffirms its commitment to advancing environmental awareness and encouraging younger generations to take part in protecting the environment and preserving Morocco's coastal assets. For the occasion, awareness booths run by local associations and organizations were set up to educate beachgoers on eco-friendly habits and local environmental initiatives. This summer, the Blue Flag will fly over 28 beaches, a mountain lake, and four marinas across Morocco. With 33 certified sites, the country ranks 21st globally out of 50 participating nations. Morocco also holds the distinction of being the leading Arab country and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag-certified locations — a demanding international ecolabel that recognizes exemplary environmental management of recreational water areas.
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- The Hindu
Rushikonda Blue Flag Beach in Vizag will be beautified further, says A.P. Tourism Minister
Minister for Tourism Kandula Durgesh inspected the Rushikonda Blue Flag Beach on Thursday. Mr. Durgesh said that greater coordination between officials and the people's representatives was being ensured to ensure proper upkeep of the facilities created at the Blue Flag Beach. The Blue Flag tag was temporarily withdrawn by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environment Education (FEE) after it received complaints related to poor maintenance of amenities at Rushikonda. However, the tag has been restored now, the Minister said. He assured the vendors managing stalls on the beach and the Life Guards posted there of providing a solution to the issues raised by them. He announced that apart from improving standards at the Blue Flag beach, measures would be taken for further beautification to improve the tourist footfall. Double-decker bus services on the Beach Road would be a major tourist attraction, Mr. Durgesh said. Terming the Blue Flag certification for Rushikonda Beach as a major achievement, the Minister said it would attract tourists from across the globe. With the facilities including washrooms, changing rooms and grey water treatment, the Blue Flad beach will attarct International tourists, he said. The Minister called upon the officials and visitors to ensure cleanliness, hygiene and proper upkeep of the facilities to ensure that the Blue Flag certificate was not withdrawn. 'The Tourism Department will undertake beautification of the beach at a cost of ₹24 lakh,' Mr. Durgesh said. He also spoke about the measures initiated for the revival of the cruise liner operation. A decision has been taken to operate the cruise liner four times till September this year. Measures will be taken to operate it through out the year,' Mr. Durgesh added. Bheemunipatnam MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, District Collector M.N. Harendhira Prasad and Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg accompanied the Tourism Minister during the inspection.
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Business Standard
26-06-2025
- Business Standard
Andamans to expand Blue Flag beaches to boost eco-tourism: Chief secy
To boost beach tourism, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration is planning to expand Blue Flag certifications beyond the already accredited Radhanagar Beach at Swaraj Dweep, popularly known as Havelock, a top official said. Talking to PTI, Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar said, "Five additional beaches have recently been evaluated, aiming to draw more environmentally conscious visitors. We hope to get five more Blue Flag-certified beaches in the islands." Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded to beaches that meet high criteria for safety, cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and accessibility. In India, there are 12 such beaches, and the recognition is given by a Denmark-based non-profit organisation known as the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Kumar added, "We are getting a good tourist footfall. Infrastructure upgrades are also progressing, with a new modern 500-passenger terminal jetty at Swaraj Dweep nearing completion." "With a strong foundation already laid and ambitious plans in motion, the archipelago is fast emerging as one of India's most promising and diversified tourist destinations," he said. The administration is placing increased emphasis on cultural tourism, he said, adding, "Signature events like the Island Tourism Festival in December continue to attract visitors, while new additions such as the Coconut Festival and a Book Fair organised in collaboration with the National Book Trust are broadening the region's cultural appeal." "We want tourists to experience not just our scenic beauty and history, but also our rich cuisine, traditions and cultural diversity," the Chief Secretary added. On the new airport at Diglipur in North Andaman, Kumar said, "We aim to operate it for tourists by the next season. This enhanced connectivity will also help open access to Great Nicobar, the southernmost part of the territory in the future." In terms of sustainability, the administration is pushing for cleanliness and environmental stewardship. "Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, solid waste collection is being managed in collaboration with local panchayats. A complete ban on small plastic bottles (below 2 litres) has also been implemented. A massive marine clean-up drive, led by the forest department, has already collected over 50,000 kg of marine plastic waste," he said. On the energy front, the administration is shifting toward clean power solutions. "A 50 MW LNG plant is currently under development, led by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). A grid-based energy link between South and North Andaman is also in the pipeline, being executed in collaboration with the Power Grid Corporation. The project is expected to be completed within two years," he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Ya Biladi
12-06-2025
- Ya Biladi
Morocco leads Arab World with 33 Blue Flag certified beaches and marinas in 2025
The international Blue Flag label, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and represented in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, will fly over 28 beaches, one mountain lake, and four marinas in 2025. With 33 certified sites, Morocco ranks 21st globally out of 50 countries, making it the leading Arab nation and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag-certified locations, according to a statement from the Foundation. All 27 beaches certified in 2024 have successfully renewed their Blue Flag status, reflecting the ongoing commitment of local authorities. Sol Beach, located in the Tangier-Assilah province, has been newly certified, bringing Morocco's total to 28 certified beaches for 2025. These include popular spots such as Oued Laou, Essaouira, Arekmane, El Haouzia, Sidi Rahal (4th phase), Bouznika, Ba Kacem, Mdiq, Rifienne, Sidi Ifni, Saïdia Municipal and West Tourist Station, Dalia, Achakar, Sol, Bedouza, Safi Municipal, Souiria Lakdima, Aglou, Imin Tourgha, Oum Labouir, Foum el Oued, Skhirate, Sidi Abed, Les Nations, Aïn Diab extension, Al Minaa, and East Marina Smir. In addition to the beaches, the mountain lake Aguelmam Azigza in Khenifra National Park has renewed its Blue Flag certification. Nestled between a majestic cliff and an ancient cedar forest, this gem of the Middle Atlas is Morocco's first natural lake to receive this recognition. Its development—supported by the Foundation and local authorities—includes improved hospitality, road access, sanitary facilities, camping areas, and reception services. On the marina side, Tanja Marina Bay has become the fourth port site to earn the Blue Flag, joining Saïdia (2018), East Marina Smir (2022), and Al Hoceïma (2023). Opened in 2018 as part of Tangier port's redevelopment, it is now Morocco's largest marina, offering 1,400 berths. All Blue Flag-certified beaches participate in the Clean Beaches program, which involves 68 local authorities each summer, supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities, 25 economic partners, and over 100 local associations working together. For the 2025 edition, 45 beaches submitted applications, highlighting the growing enthusiasm among coastal municipalities for this label, which is recognized for promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing local territories.
