The VI Conservation Society (VICS) along with the USVI Hotel and Tourism Association (HTA) has announced that three beaches have once again been awarded the Blue Flag status by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary awards for beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats. To qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. In 2024, there were 5,121 certified beaches, marinas and tourism boats across 51 countries.
The three beaches receiving this coveted certification are: on St. Thomas– Emerald Beach Resort at Lindbergh bay, The Ritz Carlton Resort beach at Great Bay; Tamarind Reef Resort at Green Cay Beach on St. Croix.  In addition, all three locations have eliminated Styrofoam from their operations and been certified VI Clean Coast – a perfect example of programs partnering to have a greater impact.
Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag program is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment. As such, environmental education activities must be offered and promoted in addition to a permanent display of information relevant to the site in terms of biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental phenomena.
The process of acquiring Blue Flag certification involves both monetary and manpower investment. The Department of Tourism has been a longtime supporter, and it thanks them for their contribution to this effort. Key agencies, including the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (CZM, EP), Virgin Islands Conservation Society (VICS), Department of Tourism, VI Waste Management Authority, Department of Education, St Croix Environmental Association, National Park Service (NPS), University of the Virgin Islands – VIMAS and VIEPSCOR, Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA), the Hotel and Tourism Association (HTA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lent their experts to serve on the Blue Flag Jury who reviewed the beaches’ applications.
The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) launched its Gaia 20:30 Strategy and pledged to address the three burning environmental problems that face the planet today: climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution.
“We promote understanding of their causes and of their devastating environmental, social, and economic impacts. Working with our members, we educate and empower our audiences to take actions and implement solutions to mitigate the effects of these critical issues locally, nationally, and globally,” Said the VI Conservation Society.
This year, in alignment with the FEE Gaia 20:30 strategy, local emphasis will be placed on climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution.
The flags will be raised on all three beaches on Dec. 1. The VI Conservation Society encourages residents and visitors to join it in recognizing these locations for their hard work and dedication to implementing sound environmentally sustainable tourism practices. The Blue Flag season runs from Dec. 1 to June 30.
The VI Conservation Society is also happy to announce that new two beaches and two marinas have started their journey to becoming certified over the next couple of years and will be announced once certified. Â The VI Conservation Society encourages additional beach and marina management organizations to engage in sustainable management of coastal resources and sign up by Nov. 15.
For additional information, visit viconservationsociety.org/programs/blue-flag-usvi/Â or contact blueflagusvi@gmail.com.
