More than 2,400 beaches and marinas are now participating in the Programme. This is given to beaches and marinas where environmental protection is a high priority in site management and information encourages care for the environment. The award is granted for one season at a time on the basis of compliance with 26 criteria for beaches and 16 for marinas.
Some criteria are imperative while others are guidelines.
In the year 2000, a new set of beach criteria will take effect with an increasing focus on waste water treatment, Local Agenda 21 activities, facilities for disabled people, etc. For marinas, the first steps of introducing an eco-management system is under consideration. The implementation of the European Blue Flag Campaign in participating countries involves close co-operation with national authorities, such as Ministries of the Environment, Health and Tourism. National authorities do not only demonstrate their support through financial assistance in some countries, but also as participants in the national jury and as collaborators in promoting the objectives of the Campaign. In many cases these partners are brought together in local Blue Flag committees.