ATHENS – Greece became the second global "power" for Blue Flags in 2020, as 497 Greek beaches, 14 marinas and six boating tourism operators won the International Quality Award this year.

Τhe Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF), the National Operator of the International Programme "Blue Flag", said that in all 47 countries participating in the programme, Greece accounts for 13 pct of the total awarded coastlines.

Once again this year, Crete and Halkidiki occupy the top spots on a national level for the total number of 'Blue Flags' awarded.

The International Commission has awarded 3,895 beaches, 691 marinas and 82 tourism boats worldwide this year.

As EEPF underlined, "in the fourth decade of the programme in Greece, Blue Flags will wave again this year on the Greek coastline, rewarding the excellent water quality and the high level of services offered to bathers, and ensuring the cleanliness and hygiene criteria for the protection of public health."

The Blue Flags have been awarded since 1987, initially on shores and marinas, and since 2017 for sustainable boating tourism operators. The founder and international coordinator of the programme is the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), based in Denmark, with 73 member countries from all continents.

In Greece, the programme is represented by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF) and is actively supported by the Ministry of Environment and the Central Union of Greek Municipalities (KEDE).