Blue Flag Awards 2024: Bulgarian Beaches and Marina Recognized for Excellence in Environmental Standards

Albena, Bulgaria – In a testament to Bulgaria’s commitment to environmental stewardship, the prestigious “Blue Flag” award was presented to twenty-two beaches and one marina during a ceremony held today in the holiday village of Albena. 

This accolade, overseen by the World Foundation for Environmental Education, highlights the exceptional efforts made by these coastal sites in maintaining high standards of water purity, safety, and ecological management.

This year marks a slight increase in the number of awarded beaches, with one additional beach recognized compared to 2023. 

An international jury based in Copenhagen decided to grant these awards, demonstrating the global significance and rigorous evaluation process behind the Blue Flag certification.

Growing Recognition Along the Coast

The Blue Flag awards have become a symbol of excellence in environmental management, and this year, they have extended almost all along Bulgaria’s coast. 

Notably, most of the awarded sites are located within the Municipality of Nessebar, underscoring the area’s dedication to maintaining pristine and safe beach environments.

The Blue Flag program is not merely an accolade but a comprehensive certification process that involves continuous monitoring and evaluation.

Experts from the Bulgarian Blue Flag movement conduct regular and surprise inspections to ensure that awarded sites consistently meet the stringent criteria required for certification. 

These criteria include water quality, safety facilities, environmental education, and overall management.

List of Awarded Beaches and Marina

In 2024, the following Bulgarian beaches and marinas have been honored with the Blue Flag:

• Arkutino
• Duni Yug
• Dunes
• Sozopol Harmanite
• Sozopol Central
• Camping “Chernomorets”
• East Pomorie
• Nessebar South
• Sunny Beach South
• Sunny Beach Central
• Sunny Beach North
• Saint Vlas Central
• Saint Vlas New Beach
• Saint Vlas East
• Central Overview
• White South
• Hut “Chernomorets”
• Sunny Day
• Golden Sands
• Crane North
• Albena
• The White Lagoon

A Voluntary Commitment to Excellence

The Blue Flag program, managed by the International Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), is a voluntary certification for beaches and marinas. 

Launched in 1987 as a European initiative in partnership with the European Commission, the program has grown to include around 50 countries across Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. 

Its goal is to promote clean and safe beach environments and to educate the public about the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems.

The program encourages local and national tourism and environmental sectors to collaborate to maintain high standards. 

In Bulgaria, the Blue Flag has been a symbol of coastal excellence since 1995, when Sunny Beach became the first Bulgarian beach to receive the award. 

The Bulgarian Movement “Blue Flag” has played a pivotal role in this process, being the first organization outside of Western Europe to join the FEE in 1993. 

This milestone also marked the expansion of the Blue Flag program to countries beyond the European Union.

Impact on Tourism and Environment

Receiving a Blue Flag is not just a mark of prestige; it significantly impacts local tourism. Beaches and marinas that meet the Blue Flag criteria attract tourists who prioritize clean and safe environments. 

This, in turn, boosts local economies and promotes sustainable tourism practices.

The Blue Flag program also fosters a sense of community and responsibility among local residents and visitors. It encourages everyone to participate in environmental initiatives and to adopt daily behaviors that support the conservation of coastal areas. 

Educational activities and awareness campaigns are integral components of the program, helping to instill a culture of environmental respect and stewardship.

Looking Ahead

As the Blue Flag continues to be a benchmark for environmental quality, Bulgaria’s coastal areas are set to benefit from increased recognition and tourism. 

The ongoing commitment to meeting and exceeding the Blue Flag standards ensures that Bulgaria’s beaches and marinas remain safe, clean, and environmentally sustainable for future generations.

Today’s ceremony in Albena not only celebrated the award recipients but also underscored the broader significance of the Blue Flag program. 

It is a reminder of the collective effort required to maintain the beauty and health of our coastal environments. 

As Bulgaria continues to uphold these high standards, the Blue Flag will undoubtedly continue to fly proudly over its beaches and marina, symbolizing a bright future for sustainable coastal tourism.

In conclusion, the 2024 Blue Flag Awards highlight the dedication and hard work of Bulgarian coastal resorts in preserving their natural beauty and ensuring safe, clean, and enjoyable environments for all. 

Bulgaria’s continued success with the Blue Flag program is a source of national pride and an example for other countries to follow.

This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our staff editorial members