Lake Garda continues to be one of the most popular destinations for its quality environment and services. On May 14, 2024, the Azzurro beach in Toscolano Maderno, the Casino beach in Gardone Riviera, and the Grotte beach in Sirmione were once again awarded the prestigious Blue Flag. This award is given by the Foundation for Environmental Education (Fee) to locations that excel in environmental quality and tourist services.
The official announcement was made during a ceremony held in Rome at the headquarters of the National Research Council (CNR), in the presence of the mayors of the awarded locations. The event also saw the participation of the Minister for Civil Protection and Sea Policies, Nello Musumeci. The thirty-eighth edition of the Blue Flag awarded a total of 236 Italian municipalities, covering 485 beaches, which represent about 11.5% of the globally awarded beaches.
In this current edition, there is a positive trend with an increase in the number of awarded locations compared to the previous year. There are now 236 municipalities that have received the recognition in 2024, an increase of 10 units compared to the 226 of last year. Among these new entries, there are 14 new locations, while four municipalities were not confirmed. The Blue Flags awarded to lakes amount to 23.
The criteria for obtaining the Blue Flag are rigorous and require compliance with numerous conditions:
– Water quality: The water must be classified as “excellent” in the last four years according to strict regulations.
– Sewage treatment: Efficient sewage treatment and a sewer system connected to at least 80% of the municipal territory.
– Waste management: Separate waste collection and proper management of hazardous waste.
– Public areas: Presence of extensive pedestrian areas, cycle paths, well-maintained urban furniture, and green areas.
– Equipped beaches: Complete provision of inclusive beach services and lifeguard staff.
– Environmental education: Promotion of courses aimed at schools, young tourists, and residents on the importance of the environment.
– Transparent information: Widespread dissemination of information about the Blue Flag and publication of data on bathing waters.
– Sustainable tourism: Environmental certification of hotel facilities and local institutional activities.
– Sustainable fishing tourism: Harmonious integration of fishing activities in the local marine or lake context.
These criteria ensure that only locations that meet high standards can boast the Blue Flag, thus ensuring sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism on Lake Garda.
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