The public is invited to attend Blue Flag raising ceremonies at 10 a.m. Saturday at all the locations being recognized with the environmental award given to beaches and marinas making a special effort to respect local environment as well as providing users with information on environmental issues.
Recipients must meet 32 criteria that include a focus on environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and services.
“By meeting Blue Flag standards, we are being respectful of island residents, visitors and the environment,” said Adrian Davis, who chairs the V.I. Hotel and Tourism Association Environmental Committee.
“It means our beaches and marina facilities are safe and clean, the marine resources are preserved and protected, and through signage and educational outreach,” he said, continuing to encourage “everyone to learn about our beautiful beaches, bays and shorelines.”
On St. Thomas, the Ritz Carlton-St. Thomas and Emerald Beach Resort qualified for the second time to fly the Blue Flag. Crown Bay Marina is a first-time recipient.
Green Cay Marina on St. Croix will also fly the Blue Flag for the first time, but Palms at Pelican Cove resort is in its second year.
On St. John, Trunk Bay Beach will have the Blue Flag flying for the second year. _%20used%20101012.jpg "St. John's Cinnamon Bay will fly the Blue Flag for the first time (Lynda Lohr photo).")
Cinnamon Bay Beach will fly it for the first time.
“We are thrilled to welcome marinas into the program this year and look forward to additional applicants for next season,” said Valerie Peters, who spearheaded the effort. “The certification is proof positive that efforts like this and cooperation between federal, nonprofit and for-profit agencies can result in progress for our community and economy.”
The Blue Flag is a highly-recognized eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education, a nongovernmental environmental organization promoting sustainable development through environmental education. The foundation is represented by national organizations in Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, New Zealand, and North and South Africa.
Locally the awards are coordinated by the V.I. Conservation Society with the support of the Hotel Association.
It costs $1,000 for a beach or marina to apply, Peters said. Additionally, the beaches must pay for water testing every two weeks, which Peters said runs about $1,000 for the season.
Because of the potential for water quality issues in hurricane season, the Blue Flag season in the territory runs from Dec. 1 to June 30.
Peters said one other beach applied but there were internal problems, not water quality problems, that caused the application to be rejected. She declined to name the beach.
For additional information, visit www.blueflagusvi.org.
