IZMIR
Turkey with its 436 Blue Flag-certified beaches has ranked second among 47 countries, according to the 2015 list established by Copenhagen-based Foundation for Environmental Education, or FEE.
In the list, Spain holds the top spot with its 578 certified beaches. Turkey is followed by Greece (395), France (379) and Portugal (299).
Turkey had 383 beaches certified Blue Flag in 2014. The country joined the program in 1994 with only 12 Blue Flag beaches.
"Blue Flag" is an exclusive eco-label awarded by the FEE, to beaches and marinas that meet certain criteria such as water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety.
It is an international program currently being implemented in 47 countries around the world including European countries, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Canada and in the Caribbean.
In Turkey, the resort city of Antalya has the most certified beaches, with 200.
On April, 9, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Turkey aimed to be the world leader in the number of Blue Flag beaches as part of its 2023 targets to mark the 100th anniversary of the Republic.
Davutoglu made the statement during a mass inauguration ceremony of environment and infrastructure projects.
According to FEE’s list, Turkey has 22 marinas awarded with the Blue Flag.
All Blue Flags are awarded one season at a time. If the criteria are not fulfilled during the season or the conditions change, the Blue Flag may be withdrawn.
