Cesenatico can celebrate thirty years of the Blue Flag, an important recognition that has become a wonderful certainty. The Flag is awarded to seaside resorts that meet the standards for sustainable land management, with the aim of guiding the management of participating seaside resorts towards a process of environmental sustainability. For the second year in a row, due to the health emergency, the Blue Flag was awarded online.
This year there were 385 beaches awarded in Italy and Emilia Romagna confirmed its 7 seaside resorts: Cesenatico, which remains the only one in the Province of Forlì-Cesena, Ravenna, Cervia, Comacchio, Bellaria Igea Marina, Misano Adriatico and Cattolica.
The criteria. There are numerous parameters for the awarding of this recognition, starting with the quality of the bathing water and the periodic sampling carried out during the summer months.
If these criteria have been met, the next step is to check the efficiency of wastewater treatment and sewerage system, proper waste management, and the presence of pedestrian areas, bike paths, well-maintained street furniture, green areas, and beach services, including lifeguards and accessibility. Other assessment criteria are Tourism and bathing establishments, fishing, the broadcasting of information on the Blue Flag, and the time dedicated to environmental education courses, aimed in particular at schools and young people, at tourists and residents.
Only seaside resorts whose waters were excellent in the previous season can apply.
The municipalities are also assessed for European funding obtained and aimed at sustainable mobility with environmental purposes such as the establishment of cycling areas and new public transport services. During the summer months, all Blue Flag seaside resorts are subject to inspection visits to check the compliance with the criteria set by the Programme.
