Blue Flag Programme in Portugal (Portugal)
The Blue Flag programme is an initiative of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and has the support of the European Commission (EC). In Portugal, European Blue Flag Association (ABAE) is responsible for this campaign which aims to raise awareness of citizens and policy-makers about the need for sea and coast protection and promote actions to solve these problems.
The Blue Flag is awarded annually to the beaches and marinas that fulfil a set of criteria: (1) information and environmental education; (2) water quality; (3) environmental management and equipment; and (4) security and services. Several beach cleanups and environmental awareness activities are organised by the award winning beaches and their municipalities.
Every year, municipalities present the beach or marina candidatures that are subscribed by other local or regional entities. The structure and decision making process of the Blue Flag Award is based on collaboration between public and private entities under the coordination of ABAE. An international jury consisting of FEE elements and one EC element is responsible for the final decision.
In Portugal in 2013 there are 277 beaches and 14 marinas/recreational ports with Blue Flag.
Facts
| Place / Location |
Portugal The information presented in this document relates to the Blue Flag Programme in Portugal. |
|---|---|
| Commencement Date | 1987 |
| Duration | Ongoing |
| Theme | Prevention, Mitigation, Awareness (Cross-cutting) |
| Type of Initiative | Practice/ Activity/ Action, Campaign |
| Initiated by | Initiated by Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The European Blue Flag Association, that integrates FEE, is responsible for coordinating the campaign at national level. |
| Involved Stakeholders |
- European Commission - Public and private entities related to the beaches - Municipalities - NGOs - General public |
| Funding/Financial Support | Has the support of Portugal Vodafone Foundation and Lisbon Oceanarium. |
| Success Rate | Very Successful |
| Case Study prepared by |
Isabel Palma Fundação da Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa [Partner 15] |
| Submitted by |
Isabel Palma Fundação da Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa MARLISCO Partner 15 |