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You’ve probably come across the phrase “Blue Flag Award” when looking into the Costa Rican hotel availability or just reading up on the country itself, but just what is the Blue Flag Award?

The Blue Flag program is a worldwide movement which the Costa Rican government has adopted and given to several institutions to handle.  Currently, the Blue Flag Ecological Program is handled by the Costa Rica Tourism Institute (ICT), National Water and Sewer Service (AyA), Public Health Ministry (MS), Environment Ministry (MINAE), Education Ministry (ME) and the National Tourism Chamber (CANATUR).

Although the program is jointly handled by the before mentioned institutions, citizen participation is allowed and even encouraged.  Communities and schools must follow a set of standards provided by the international organization as well as local institutes in order to be considered for the Blue Flag.

The Blue Flag is then awarded to those communities and schools who have accomplished at least a 90% of the requirements.  The Blue Flag is awarded along with a number of stars depending on the overall achievement of communities, especially coastal communities which must include the beach area.

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute has gone a step further in assigning specialized technicians and personnel to follow up on coastal communities and tourist destinations achievements.

The criteria followed for awarding the Blue Flag consists in evaluating different areas and assigning a percentage which at the end will reveal the blue flag category.  Areas considered are the microbiological quality of the ocean water, quality of potable water and sanitation areas such as garbage disposals and the treatment of industrial and run off waters.  A percentage is also assigned to environmental education as well as to the areas security and administration.

The star category given out with each Blue Flag considers the following:

• One star: If the criteria achieved is between 90% - 100%

• Two stars: If the criteria achieved is 100%.  In addition motorized vehicle restrictions, horse and domestic animal restrictions brought in by visitors or locals and maritime current signals if they exist will be considered.

• Three stars: Must comply with the Two Star requirements plus the inclusion of security and rescue teams during the high season, regulatory plan or action plan regarding conservation zones

• Four Stars: Must comply with the Three Star requirements plus the inclusion of an easy access and security measures for those with disabilities (showers and public sanitation), separation and recycling of solid waste, constant security and rescue measures, local emergency committee and must be a member of the “Sanitary quality seal” program.