[Shaping the Future of Local Communities with Blue Flag – Part 2]

The "True Value" of Blue Flag: European Examples and FEE Official Good Practices

"Shaping the Future of Local Communities with Blue Flag," a serial article brought to you by JARTA (Japan Alliance of Responsible Travel Agencies).

In Part 1 of our series, "Shaping the Future of Local Communities with Blue Flag," we explained that Blue Flag is the world's most historic coastal environmental certification, serving as proof of a "sustainable sea that combines environmental management, safety, accessibility, and education."

In this second installment, we will look closely at European case studies and official Good Practices shared by the international NGO FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) to examine what benefits and returns acquiring and maintaining Blue Flag brings to local communities and tourism.

Europe: Where Coastlines Are Covered in "Blue Flags" on the Map

In European countries leading the way (such as Spain, Greece, and France), whether a location has a Blue Flag serves as a natural baseline for comparison when travelers choose summer destinations.

Opening a local beach map, it is not uncommon to see coastlines densely filled with blue Blue Flag icons. In fact, beaches without a Blue Flag are sometimes avoided by travelers due to concerns over water quality or safety. It has firmly established itself as a powerful quality standard for international sustainable travelers and families alike.

Regions lined with blue flags have succeeded in powerfully branding their coastlines to the world as "destinations of choice."

Praised by FEE Official! "Good Practices" Enhancing Coastal Value

FEE, the international NGO running Blue Flag, selects outstanding initiatives worldwide every year as "Good Practices." Initiatives that contribute significantly to local communities and economic circulation—beyond mere environmental protection—are shared on their official page（FEE Blue Flag Good Practices).

Here are representative perspectives on successful local contribution:

1. Thorough "Accessibility" Attracts New Customer Segments (Spain, etc.)

In countries like Spain, which boasts the largest number of certified sites in the world, efforts go beyond installing wheelchair-accessible restrooms and ramps to providing amphibious wheelchairs and specialized care staff. By creating an environment where people with disabilities and seniors can enjoy the sea together with their entire families, these destinations attract new tourist demographics, leading to longer stays and increased sales for surrounding hotels and restaurants.

2. Environmental Education Turning Local Resources into "Living Classrooms"

The mandatory environmental education programs (required at least five times a year) are elevated from simple awareness campaigns into attractive eco-tours. Local fishers and experts serve as guides, sharing marine ecosystem knowledge with tourists and local children. This model is recognized for fostering civic pride among residents while creating new income streams for local businesses.

[Japan’s Triumph] Yanmar Sunset Marina in Shiga Prefecture Takes 1st Place Worldwide!

In addition to overseas examples, wonderful models are emerging in Japan. In the 2024 FEE Official Competition (Circular Economy category), Yanmar Sunset Marina in Shiga Prefecture took 1st place out of over 5,200 sites worldwide. Highly evaluated for its lakebed cleanup and waste reduction efforts in collaboration with the community, this case proves that Japanese facilities can lead the world. ▶ Related Article:【World No. 1 Achievement】 Yanmar Sunset Marina Wins 1st Place in Blue Flag Good Practice! (JARTA Official)