Turkey this year retained the 3rd place in the world ranking of countries in the number of beaches with the “blue flag”. This was stated by the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey Mehmet Ersa.
The minister noted that Turkey is proud of their constant success in the ranking of countries with the Blue Flag, declared by the Environmental Education Fund (FEE) with headquarters in Copenhagen.
Turkey moves most decisively to its goal – to take first place, ”he emphasized.
According to the minister, the number of beaches with the “blue flag” increases every year thanks to the successful work carried out during the coordination of the Turkish Ecological Education Fund (Türçev) in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment, urbanization and climate change and the Ministry of Health of Turkey.
“The blue flag is very well suited to our beaches. This year, 567 beaches, 27 beaches, 18 tourist ships and 9 private yachts from our country received the right to receive a” blue flag “. This year we save the third place in the world ranking countries according to the greatest number of “blue flags,” said Ersa.
“This year,” Blue flags “will flutter on 16 beaches of our country,” the minister said.
– This year the largest number of beaches with a blue flag is again in Spain
In the first place in the number of “blue flags” is Spain, in the second – Greece. Following Turkey follow Italy and France.
Last year, Türkiye had 551 beach with the “blue flag”. This year, Antalya took first place in the number of such beaches – 233. The following is Mugla – 112 beaches and Izmir – 64. In addition, the most provinces with the largest number of “blue flags” included Balykesir, Aydin, Samsun, Chanakkale, Mersin, Kodzhaeli and TEIRDAG.
“Blue Flag” – an international award, annually awarded to beaches and berths since 1987, the water in which meets high quality standards and is suitable for safe bathing. The implementation of the program in Turkey began in 1993.
The Blue Flag program provides for 33 criteria for beaches, 38 – for berths, 51 – for travel vessels and 16 for private yachts.
Among the mandatory criteria for beaches with the “blue flag” – analysis of water for bathing every 15 days during the season, suitability of treatment facilities, protection of vulnerable territories, the presence of rescuers and first -aid items, a plan of action in emergency situations, convenience for the disabled , separation of waste, environmental education and information.
The Blue Flag program, carried out during the coordination of the Turkish Ecological Education Fund (Türçev), is implemented in 50 countries of the world with the support of the International Environmental Education Fund (Fee).