Puerto Rico, Caribbean archipelago consisting of the largest homonymus island, the smallest of the Greater Antilles and other minor islands, including Culebra, Mona and Vieques, situated in the Caribbean Sea between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands, self- governing island commonwealth of the West Indies associated to the United States of America as a non - incorporated territory well known for its rich history and culture, colonial Architecture, pristine beaches, suggestive mountains, exceptional food and cocktails has once again been internationally recognized with 15 Blue Flag Award for the 2024 – 2025 season.
Two beaches, a marina and four tourist boat administrative companies received the Blue Flag Award on the island.
The winners by category are :
· Beach Category : Playa de Puerto Nuevo in Vega Baja and Playa Palominos in Fajardo.
· Marina Category : Marina Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey
· Sustainable tourist boat category : East Island excursions on East Wind vessels, Caribe Spirit, Eco Isleño, Island Flyer, Tropical Escape, Blue Paradise and Zatara, Bella Venturas by Josiah's Reach and U Turn, Caribe Bliss with vessels the rabid
· East Island excursions on East Wind vessels, Caribe Spirit, Eco Isleño, Island Flyer, Tropical Escape, Blue Paradise and Zatara; Bella Venturas by Josiah's Reach and U turn; Caribbean Bliss with La Rabiosa and Abillo and Sea Ventures with Coral Queen II vessel
The Blue Flag Award – The "Blue Flag" is an international recognition awarded annually to beaches, marinas and tourist boat operators that meet rigorous criteria established globally to improve standards of operation, safety, services and environmental education. Requirements include water quality, hygiene, cleanliness, lifeguard services accessibility for people with disabilities and proper environmental management.
Each award – winning site is regularly inspected to ensure compliance with these strict requirements, which become more demanding over time.
The BFI, Blue Flag International Program was created in 1987 by FEE, the foundation for Environmental Education based in Denmark.
Currently more than 4.800 beaches, marinas and tourist boats in 50 countries participate in this program, aspiring to obtain this prestigious recognition.
In Puerto Rico, the OPAS, Fundación Pro Ambiente Sustentable is the organization responsible for representing FEE, implementing the program since 2005 in accordance with the Law 173 of 2000 "Programme for the Promotion, Protection and Conservation of Puerto Rico's Beaches Aspiring to the Blue Flag".
Thanks to the management of OPAS and the support of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the program has helped promote conservation, environmental education, sustainability, as well as the economic and tourist development of the island over the past 20 years.
It is estimated that the Blue Flag has a direct impact on about 110.000 people of which 60.000 enjoy Puerto Rican beaches.
The Executive Director of OPAS, Carmen Rosa Valentin del Rio said that OPAS remains firm in its commitment to continue educating and promoting the protection of Puerto Rico coastal and marine ecosystem, which in turn drive the economic and tourism development of the country.
OPAS applauds the effort and dedication that companies awarded this year have shown to maintain this prestigious recongnition and will continue to provide them with all its support and technical assistance so that they continue to achieve their goals.
The Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company Carlos Mercado expressed his satisfaction in highlighting the fundamental role that Blue Flag plays in promoting sustainable tourism on the island commenting that a significant percentage of tourism activity in Puerto Rico in centered on the terrestrial and marine diversity of the country, so the conservation of these reources is vital to maintaining rhe Island's position as a world - class destination in a market as competitive as that of the Caribbean region.
By working alongside the Blue Flag program on mamagement and conservation measures, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company supports nature and the development of tourism businesses that depend on the accessibility, high quality, and beauty od the beaches of the country so that generations of residents and visitors can continue to enjoy them.
Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/103316_puerto_rico_brilla_con_quince_galardones_de_bandera_azul
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