Vasto European Blue Flag 2010

Vasto has been awarded the Blue Flag by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) for the eighth consecutive year and for the twelfth overall. The Blue Flag is awarded to coastal resorts that meet European quality standards for bathing waters and services offered, taking into account, for instance, cleanliness of beaches and marinas.

The Blue Flag association attributes its award to excellent bathing waters where the local administration has made a commitment to improve the state of the environment and promote sustainable tourism. The checklist also considers the reliability of purification plants, high-risk waste disposal facilities and the various schemes for enhancing liveability, above all during the summer season. Importance is given to the enhancement of natural areas, attention to urban and beach furnishings, as well as unlimited access to the sea for all users.

International recognition was established in 1987, the European Year of the Environment, and is awarded annually in 41 countries, initially only in Europe but more recently also to non-European states, with the support and participation of the two UN agencies: UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization), with whom the FEE has signed a global partnership protocol.

For Vasto this is, therefore, the latest in a series of important goals since the criteria have become more stringent over the years for receiving a Blue Flag. If Vasto continues to receive it, the message is clear. An added endorsement for the many tourists who have chosen and will choose Vasto for their holidays.