Costa Rica achieves a historic figure of 138 beaches with ecological blue flag

This morning the first 5 ecological blue flags (beach category) were raised simultaneously in the Papagayo Peninsula, Guanacaste. As of today, these flags will wave in the Blanca, Virador, Sombrero, Nacascolo and Prieta beaches. These five beaches are part of the 138 committees that obtained this award both on the Pacific coast and the Caribbean, surpassing the previous year's record with three additional committees. This figure represents the highest in 25 years of creation of the recognition.
 
“The richness of the ecological blue flag program in the beach category is that it is made up of many communities and tourism companies that year after year are convinced of its importance and it is reflected in the growth we have had in recent years until reaching the historical figure of 138 committees. The sustainable development of our country's brand in the world is strengthened with the work of the coastal communities ”, said Virgilio Espinoza, Head of Certifications and Tourism Responsibility of the ICT.
 
“From the beginning, Peninsula Papagayo has developed its operations in full adherence and commitment to sustainability and, for this, we work with a Triple Utility Strategy with which we have a positive impact on the social, economic and environmental dimension of the company. Actively participating in the Ecological Blue Flag Program in the beach category and having obtained 5 awards is part of this strategy and allows us to focus our efforts on guaranteeing the correct management of water, energy and solid waste resources; as well as in the protection of the flora and fauna of the area ”, indicated Manuel Ardón, Senior Director of Operations and Vice President of Peninsula Papagayo.
 
In the 2020 evaluation period, these were the results with ranges ranging from one to five stars. This award is given for the organized effort of the committees of each of the coastal communities to achieve sustainable beaches with tourist attributes.
 
In total, the 2020 Ecological Blue Flag Program, the province of Limón obtained 18 flags, Guanacaste 46 and Puntarenas 74.
 
A total of six beaches will see the highest award flying their blue flag: five stars. In North Guanacaste: Matapalo, Punta del Madero. In the Middle Pacific: Blanca (Punta Leona), Esterillos Oeste and Playitas; and in the South Caribbean: Blanca from the Cahuita National Park.
 
Likewise, Blanca de Punta Leona and Playitas received additional Pink stars; Esterillos Oeste: Rosada y Dorada and Punta Madero Dorada. The highest number of beaches (101) obtained a star, most of them belong to Puntarenas, followed by Guanacaste.
 
Blue voices from coast to coast
 
Guisselle Miranda, Coordinator of the Ecological Blue Flag Committee of Esterillos Oeste in Parrita, winner of the Five Star Ecological Blue Flag and one Gold and Pink, commented that 2020 was an atypical year; However, they had important achievements such as: training in case of Tsunamis, installation of an alarm and labeling of evacuation routes, as well as the certification of the Turtle Nursery.

“We believe that the Ecological Blue Flag Program is an excellent initiative, a chain benefit. We are taught to take care of our beaches, making them more attractive, safe and clean, to be enjoyed by both locals and national and foreign tourists. As a result, we have been able to see more influx of tourists on our beach. It was a win - win, ”said Guiselle.

Another beach that was awarded five stars was Playa Blanca in the Cahuita National Park. Raquel Russell from the Blue Flag Committee of that place explained that they worked hard, they organized their colleagues to obtain this highest Blue Flag award. Despite the obstacles, we are encouraged to meet the goal by working twice on all the requirements and delivering the action report within the established time. We decided to put all our efforts and give the Cahuiteños people one more pride for the community; also attract national and foreign tourism, since the blue flag shows us that we fear a clean, safe beach with a beautiful natural setting. This shows us that it has been worth the fruit of hard work ”, Raquel commented with pride.

A committee that has not stopped working over the years for the well-being of the beach is Playa Carate in Corcovado. Lana Jean Wedmore, committee coordinator and owner of the Luna Lodge Hotel, stated that the Carate Beach Blue Flag Program has been a great ally in the cleaning and protection of said beach that had a star with a lot of courage and work.

“Last year we focused more on the collection of inorganic materials from the beach and also on the planting of more than 350 endemic trees in the area; Likewise, more than 175 banana plants were planted around the hotel. In addition, different spaces such as the turtle festival were used to give talks to attendees about the importance of sustainable development, and how our actions affect the environment and especially the oceans. The 4 types of turtles come to nest on Carate beach, so its protection is of vital importance for the community and for us ”, concluded Lana.

How is the Ecological Blue Flag award awarded?
The ICT serves as the entity in charge of the Beaches category of the Ecological Blue Flag Program. The evaluation takes into account aspects such as the hygienic and sanitary conditions guaranteed by the constant analysis of sea water and potability (with the support of AyA).
 
Also security elements of the same as preventive labeling of rip currents, lifeguard personnel or lifeguards during the weekends and in high season of tourism. Other elements that add score are the presence of showers, sanitary services, separation and recycling of solid waste, environmental education, among other aspects. During the year, as part of the ICT's work, three visits are made to evaluate the progress of the annual plan proposed by each Committee. The purpose of the visit is to inspect the work on the beaches, advise the group on technical and administrative work, and provide recommendations for improvement for the next visit.
 
At the same time, the Golden Star is awarded in order to recognize the work of the Ecological Blue Flag Committee in the Beaches Category, in the identification, management and action on land-based sources of contamination that have a negative impact on the beach and the immediate community. The Gold Star may be awarded to organized BAE Committees that obtain at least “One Star”. Entertaining, with the Pink Star the efforts of the Blue Flag Committees are rewarded for those who are trained and develop actions that guarantee coastal safety, who have knowledge that allows them to deploy actions to respond to dangerous animals such as semi-aquatic reptiles, dangerous currents and any other situation that threatens the physical safety of visitors.