Blue Flag Ecological program celebrates 30 years recognizing 143 beaches in Costa Rica

The Blue Flag Ecological Program (PBAE) commemorates three decades of implementation in Costa Rica, reaffirming its role as one of the main environmental management tools in coastal areas. As part of this anniversary, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) awarded 143 distinctions to beaches that met high standards in sustainability, public health, and natural resource protection during 2025.

Since its inception in 1996, the beaches category—the first to be incorporated into the program—has evolved into a comprehensive evaluation system that integrates the participation of communities, the private sector, and government entities. This year, five new beaches joined the program, further expanding its reach across different regions of the country.

The evaluation system uses a progressive star scale that recognizes different levels of compliance. In 2025, 48 beaches received one star, 46 received two, 27 received three, nine received four, and 13 were awarded the highest rating of five stars, reflecting an advanced commitment to environmental management and coastal safety.

The evaluation process includes parameters related to water quality, hazard signage, the presence of lifeguards during peak seasons, and service infrastructure. These criteria are complemented by waste management practices, environmental education, and climate change initiatives, allowing for comprehensive and continuous measurement of destination performance.

The Blue Flag Ecological model also incorporates complementary recognitions through a system of colored stars, which highlight specific initiatives such as waste management, coastal safety, animal protection and community participation in sustainability programs.

At the territorial level, Guanacaste led the number of awards with 51 beaches recognized, followed by Puntarenas and the Gulf Islands with 28 distinctions, the Middle Pacific with 25, the Caribbean with 20 and the South Pacific with 19. In several of these regions, beaches stood out with the highest rating, demonstrating the consolidation of sustainable practices in different parts of the country.

The official awards ceremony took place at the UNED headquarters in El Cocal, Puntarenas, with the participation of authorities, representatives of local committees, and stakeholders from the sector. In the following days, the awards process is expected to continue in different regions of the country, reinforcing the program's territorial reach.

Over its 30 years, the PBAE has evolved from a focus on coastal communities to a robust environmental management system that integrates multiple dimensions of sustainability. Its implementation has helped position Costa Rica as a leading international destination for responsible tourism, supported by technical standards and a collaborative governance model.