1. Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz

2. Began in 2002 “was created in response to the imminent dangers of beach pollution, its repercussions on public health and the tourism industry.” Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz G.

3. identifies the beaches where the local community works and makes a big effort to maintain them in the best conditions for the enjoyment of the tourist Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz G. http://banderaazulecologica.org/

4. It is an interinstitutional effort: Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) National Water and Sewer Service (AyA) Public Health Ministry (MS) Environment Ministry (MINAE) Education Ministry (MEP) National Tourism Chamber (CANATUR). Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz G.

5. Involves: participation of communities and local schools It is granted annually Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz G.

6. Microbiological quality of the ocean’s water 35% Quality of potable water15% Quality of coastal sanitation areas: -----------Garbage and garbage containers 10% -----------Treated industrial waste5% -----------Treated run-off water 15% Environmental education10% Security and administration10% Total100% Evalutated aspects: Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz G.

7. Additional efforts are recognized With 1-4 stars One star: If the criteria achieved is between 90% - 100% Two stars: If the criteria achieved is 100% Motorized vehicle restrictions Horse and domestic animal restrictions brought in by visitors or locals Maritime current signals if they exist Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz G.

8. Three stars: Complying with that under Star two Security and rescue teams during High season Regulatory plan or plan of action regarding conservation zones Four Stars: Complying with that under star three Easy access and security measures for those with disabilities like showers and public sanitation Separation and Recycling of solid waste Constant Security and Rescue measures Local emergency committee Member of the “Sanitary quality seal” program Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz G.

9. Beaches with blue flag Sustainable development 2012 Prof. Melania Muñoz G.

10. The Blue Flag Ecological Program Ecotourism 2012 Prof. Melania Muñoz G. 80 beaches awarded 38 13 11 10 9

11. The "Blue Flag" program provides strong incentives to hotels, local tourism boards, and coastal communities, to work together to protect Costa Rica's beaches. The "Blue Flag" program provides strong incentives to hotels, local tourism boards, and coastal communities, to work together to protect Costa Rica's beaches. Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz G.

12. Now, Schools, high schools, communities, homes and others are able to apply. Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz G.

13. This award encourages organized local committees, healthy competition and community organization for the benefit of present and future generations. Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz G.

14. Involves: rewards effort and volunteer work in the pursuit of conservation and development the protection of natural resources, the implementation of actions to address the climate change, the search for better sanitary conditions and the improvement of public health Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz G.

15. Alliances

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18. http://banderaazulecologica.org Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz G.

19. Steps: Confirmation of the local Committee Pro-Blue Flag. Registration from January to March each year. Performing initial diagnosis (April). Preparation of Annual Work Plan (April). Follow the work plan (April to November). Presentation of final report (November each year). Sustainable development Prof. Melania Muñoz G.

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23. Sustainable development 2012 Prof. Melania Muñoz G. Thanks!