The Blue Flag was withdrawn from four beaches in Crete: An Analysis of the Circumstances Surrounding the Removal.
Blue Flags in Greece 2024
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At the start of the summer 2024, Greece continues to shine with its impressive number of Blue Flag awards. The country has received recognition for 625 beaches and 18 marinas, placing it second globally among participating nations. This programme, which started in 1987, aims to uphold high standards for cleanliness, safety, and visitor services at coastal locations.
Each year, the Blue Flag is awarded based on strict criteria. These include water quality, environmental education, and safety measures. The prestigious flag signifies that a beach or marina meets exceptional standards, enhancing the appeal for visitors.
Interestingly, this year, four beaches in Crete have lost their Blue Flag status. This change highlights the programme’s commitment to maintaining high standards across all awarded sites. The loss of these flags serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for environmental stewardship and cleanliness in popular tourist destinations.
For those looking to experience Greece’s stunning coastlines, the remaining award-winning beaches provide a fantastic option. Greece’s achievement in securing such a substantial number of Blue Flags demonstrates its ongoing dedication to quality tourism and environmental care. As a result, the country remains a top choice for beach lovers in Europe, proudly ranking among the leaders in the Blue Flag programme. More details on Greece’s ranking can be found here.
Inspectors Remove Blue Flag from 22 Beaches in Greece
Recent inspections conducted by teams of both local and international experts have resulted in the removal of Blue Flag certification from 22 beaches across Greece. This prestigious award is given to beaches that meet high standards of cleanliness, safety, and environmental management.
The decision affects various popular destinations, highlighting challenges in maintaining the required quality for such a designation. The Blue Flag programme requires regular assessments to ensure continued compliance with its strict criteria. This move reflects the ongoing efforts by authorities to uphold standards in key tourist areas.
The beaches lost their certification due to several reasons, including inadequate water quality, insufficient safety measures, and poor management of services. Notably, popular locations in regions such as Crete faced scrutiny during these inspections.
Visitors seeking quality beaches can still find many that maintain their Blue Flag status. For further information on this development, refer to the article on the removal of Blue Flag certifications. The ongoing situation serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental care and management in maintaining Greece’s reputation as a prime tourist destination.
Withdrawal of the Blue Flags on Crete
The “Blue Flag” programme is an international initiative aimed at promoting environmental education, awareness, and quality among beaches and marinas. This initiative has specific criteria that must be adhered to in order for a beach or marina to earn this prestigious accolade. The programme, managed by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature in Greece, evaluates locations based on several factors, including cleanliness, facilities, safety, and environmental management.
In 2024, twenty-two beaches lost their Blue Flag status, having been taken off both the national and international lists. This revocation was due to inadequate organisation for the current swimming season and/or failure to meet the strict criteria set forth by the programme. Evaluators from the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, along with international assessors, conducted unannounced visits to these locations and noted deficiencies in maintaining standards.
In Crete, four beaches were affected, located in the municipalities of Hersonisos and Lasithi Prefecture. The programme’s evaluators found shortcomings in several areas essential for providing a quality experience for visitors. These included the following criteria:
- Services for bathers and visitors, including accessibility for individuals with disabilities (A.M.E.A.)
- Cleanliness and maintenance
- Proper information dissemination
- Safety measures for bathers and visitors
- Effective environmental management
- Sufficient free space on the beach
The deadline for posting the Blue Flags was 1 July. The National Committee of Assessments, along with the Coordinating Committee of the Programme, decided to withdraw these awards to maintain the programme’s integrity and credibility. Unannounced inspection visits will continue across all awarded beaches in the country. Should further deficiencies be discovered, additional withdrawals will be announced in upcoming press releases.
It is important to note that the withdrawal from the programme is primarily due to organisational issues and does not imply a decline in water quality, which remains excellent according to the programme’s standards.
The beaches that have lost their Blue Flag status in 2024 are:
– Akti Schinias Karavi , municipality Marathona, P. E. Attika
– Küste 1. Limanaki Daskaleio Kerateas/Solo Pino , municipality Lavreotiki, P. E. Attika
– Akti Psaltos/Mitsis Lindos Memories Resort , municipality Rhodes, P.E
– Akti Kallithea, municipality Rhodes , P.E
– Akti Mikros Gialos , municipality Rhodes, P.E. Dodekanes
– Akti Amnisos/Pnoe Breathing Life , municipality Hersonissos, P.E. Iraklion
– Akti Ermones , municipality Central Corfu and the Diapontine Islands, P.E. Corfu
– Akti Ag. Gordios/La Grotta Verde , municipality Central Corfu and the Diapontine Islands, P.E. Corfu
– Akti Mylos Ormou Korthiou , municipality Andros, P.E. Andros
– Akti Provatas , municipality Milos, P.E. Apfel
– Kalafati Beach /Aphrodite Beach Resort , municipality Mykonos, P. E. Mykonos
– Akti Agia Anna/Maragas , municipality Naxos, P.E. Naxos
– Akti Agios Georgios , municipality Naxos, P.E. Naxos
– Akti Agios Prokopios , municipality Naxos, P.E. Naxos
– Akti Ag. Fokas/Marathia , municipality Tinos, PE Tinos
– Akti Ierapetra 1/Municipal , municipality Ierapetra, P.E. Lasithi
– Akti Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou , municipality Ierapetra, P.E. Lasithi
– Akti Myrtos , municipality Ierapetra, PE Lasithi
– Akti Mega Ammos (Rock) , municipality Preveza, P.E. Preveza
– Akti Koutloumousiou , municipality Sithonia, P.E. Chalkidiki
– Akti Nea Roda 2, municipality Aristoteli, P.E. Chalkidiki
– Akti Ouranoupolis 1/Xenia Ouranoupolis , municipality Aristoteli, P.E. Chalkidiki
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Blue Flag to be removed from four beaches in Crete?
The withdrawal of the Blue Flag from these beaches is typically linked to failures in meeting specific environmental and safety standards set by the Blue Flag programme. Common reasons may include inadequate waste management, water quality issues, and insufficient safety measures.
Which four beaches in Crete lost their Blue Flag status?
The specific beaches that lost their Blue Flag status are: Akti Amnisos/Pnoe Breathing Life (Hersonissos) and three beaches at Ierapetra: Akti Ierapetra 1/Municipal, Akti Koinotiki Plaz Makrygialou, Akti Myrtos.
What impact will the loss of the Blue Flag have on tourism in Crete?
The removal of the Blue Flag can potentially deter tourists, as many choose Blue Flag beaches for their recognised quality and safety. This may lead to a decline in visitor numbers, affecting local businesses and the economy reliant on tourism.
What standards were not met, resulting in the loss of the Blue Flag for Cretan beaches?
Beaches are required to meet various criteria, including cleanliness, safety, accessibility, and environmental management. If these standards are not maintained, such as failing to provide adequate lifeguard services or proper waste disposal, the Blue Flag may be revoked.
What steps are being taken to restore the Blue Flag status on the affected Cretan beaches?
Local authorities and beach management teams may implement specific actions, such as enhancing cleanliness, improving facilities, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. Community engagement and awareness campaigns could also be part of the effort to regain status.
How does the Blue Flag programme evaluate and maintain its standards for beaches?
The Blue Flag programme employs a rigorous evaluation process that includes inspections and assessments of beaches against a set of established criteria. Regular monitoring and adherence to these standards are enforced to ensure that beaches continue to meet the required quality and safety levels.
