General conclusions

Blue Flags are awards given by the Foundation of Environmental Education to beaches, marinas and tourism boats that meet certain criteria related to how they are managed. Since the program’s inception, one of its main aims has been to promote the sustainable management of these important resources for the tourism industry: beaches and coasts. It must be noted that the effects of participating in the Blue Flag program are not solely relevant to the tourism industry. For instance, the program promotes cleaner waters, and forces them to be monitored, which in exchange will have a long-term positive effect on public health; the requirement to have lifeguard services and first aid teams will contribute to reduce beachgoers’ accidents, and even reduce public expenditures in the health system. Certifications for an ecological/environment-conscious management of beaches and coastal areas also exist.