The Blue Flag is a voluntary certification procedure for beaches and marinas, which is managed by the International Foundation for Environmental Education, whose members are national organizations from more than 70 countries around the world.
The Blue Flag Award is an eco-friendly tourism standard that has been awarded to more than 4,000 beaches and marinas around the world, including several Bulgarian resorts.
To receive an eco-certificate, beaches and ports must meet about 30 requirements in four categories related to safety, awareness, beach support, and water quality.
Thanks to the activities of the Bulgarian Blue Flag movement, in 1995 the first award was awarded in Bulgaria - the beach of Sunny Beach.
In 2020, the following Bulgarian beaches received the award: Arkutino, Duni-South, Sozopol Harmanite, Sozopol Central, Pomorie East, Nessebar South, Sunny Beach South, Sunny Beach Central, St. Vlas New, Sunny Day, Golden Sands, Albena, White Lagoon and yacht port "Marina Dinevi".
According to the International Jury, Blue Flag-awarded beaches must comply with national and international legislation regarding Covid 19 at any time.
In addition to the criteria of the Blue Flag program, during the season, beaches must comply with all health measures introduced. The Blue Flag is a guarantee that beaches and yacht ports are safe and in accordance with national regulations.