"Blue Flag" is an international environmental certification registered by more than 5,200 beaches and marinas across over 50 countries worldwide. In a competition showcasing the most outstanding practices of this season, the initiatives by Yanmar Sunset Marina brilliantly secured 1st place in the world under the "Circular Economy Initiatives" category!
JARTA is immensely proud of this pioneering achievement. Below, we introduce this advanced initiative along with the details of their official activities.
An Organic Resource Circulation System: Turning "Troublesome Waste" into "Comfortable Luxury"
The massive overgrowth of invasive aquatic weeds has become a severe issue in Lake Biwa. Causing deterioration of the waterfront environment and obstructing vessel navigation, these weeds had historically been incinerated and disposed of after being cleared.
Viewing these weeds not as waste but as a valuable resource, Yanmar Sunset Marina established its own "Organic Resource Circulation System."
The cleared weeds are converted into compost in a short period using a dedicated composter, which is then utilized for organic farming at the "Marina Farm." By reviving this waste into delicious vegetables and soft, high-quality cotton, the marina goes beyond mere environmental conservation—offering guests a "premium experience" and "comfortable luxury" that beautifully harmonizes with nature.
Three Approaches to Enhance Value and Connect with the Community
Behind winning the world's top evaluation is a steadfast approach to ensure this circulation does not become a mere formality, but is instead established as a viable system accompanied by an economic cycle.
Visualize: Making the resource circulation process transparent and easy to understand, encouraging understanding and empathy while guests enjoy the experiences through food and clothing.
Champion: Using the Blue Flag certification as a symbol to proudly promote environmental goals and policies, ensuring continuous commitment.
Connect: Collaborating with local governments, corporations, and residents to raise environmental awareness, aiming for resource circulation as an entire region.
The Next Step: Realizing the "Lake Biwa Eco-Cycle Zone"
This award has successfully demonstrated three core outcomes: reduction of waste and greenhouse gases (Environmental Value), enhancement of brand image (Economic Value), and a boost in environmental awareness among staff and the local community (Social Value).
Moving forward, while addressing challenges such as expanding the volume of resource circulation relative to the vast amount of aquatic weeds and balancing costs/labor with direct economic value (revenue and expenditure), the marina plans to further validate this business model.
The next vision for Yanmar Sunset Marina is the realization of the "Lake Biwa Eco-Cycle Zone," expanding the network across the entire local region. Their journey continues toward establishing a true "Sustainable Eco-Marina" where economic viability and sustainability coexist.
Our heartfelt congratulations to everyone at Yanmar Sunset Marina on winning 1st place in the world! JARTA will continue to enthusiastically support your challenges as you lead Japan’s marine tourism on a global stage.
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[Blue Flag International Secretariat Good Practice 2026 (English)]
