The Sicily Region also sees the coveted Blue Flag of the ports flying along its coasts. The tourist port of Capo d’Orlando achieved it for the year 2021. In addition to being the first international recognition for Capo d’Orlando Marina, in its fourth year of activity, there is the honor of being the only port to Sicily to obtain the coveted goal. Since it existed in Sicily, only Marina di Nettuno had succeeded in doing so in 2019, without repeating itself. Now, the Blue Flag returns and we hope it will remain there for a long time, also as a sign of encouragement, for the other Sicilian tourist ports.
The Blue Flag is an environmental quality certification, established in 1987 (EU Environment Year), aimed at promoting the sustainable development of coastal areas and inland waters through the implementation, by seaside resorts and tourist ports, of environmental policies for the protection and care of the territory. The selection is managed, in 73 countries around the world, by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a non-profit non-governmental organisation.
In order to obtain the Blue Flag, tourist ports must respect a copious series of minimum standards including eco-efficient management, environmental education and training, services and safety, water quality, corporate social responsibility and social and community participation. Some criteria are optional; while, others are strictly necessary. In competing, the tourist port of the city of Capo d’Orlando demonstrated that it possesses, respects and promotes the most rigorous standards of the Blue Flag program; for example, in terms of environmental education, active participation in initiatives to raise awareness of environmental issues, correct storage and disposal of waste, waste water purification, water quality, accessibility to pedestrian and cycle areas, care of greenery, availability of safety equipment rescue, fire and safety devices, offer of particular services to customers, etc.
