ZAGREB, March 20 (Hina) - This year, 13 Croatian beaches and marinas have applied for the Blue Flag, a coveted ecological European award, the Croatian State Office for Environmental Protection said on Friday. The Blue Flag, awarded by
the foundation for environmental education in Europe, is a project for the protection of seas and coasts, launched by the Council of Europe and conducted over European beaches for ten years. Two years ago, Croatia took part in this project of the primary importance for the promotion of tourism. In order to get the Blue Flag, beaches and marinas should have so clean bathing waters which comply with the standards set by the European Union. The Punat marina on the island of Krk was the first Croatian resort to win this award last year, said the Office's head, Ante Kutle. Out of 16 Croatian beaches and marines that intended to go for the Blue Flag
ZAGREB, March 20 (Hina) - This year, 13 Croatian beaches and marinas
have applied for the Blue Flag, a coveted ecological European
award, the Croatian State Office for Environmental Protection said
on Friday.
The Blue Flag, awarded by the foundation for environmental
education in Europe, is a project for the protection of seas and
coasts, launched by the Council of Europe and conducted over
European beaches for ten years.
Two years ago, Croatia took part in this project of the primary
importance for the promotion of tourism. In order to get the Blue
Flag, beaches and marinas should have so clean bathing waters which
comply with the standards set by the European Union.
The Punat marina on the island of Krk was the first Croatian resort
to win this award last year, said the Office's head, Ante Kutle.
Out of 16 Croatian beaches and marines that intended to go for the
Blue Flag this year, 13 of them were chosen as Croatian candidates
by the state commission to apply for the award.
Beaches which would like to achieve the Flag are Baska, Brela,
Crikvenica and the two beaches near hotels "Parentium and Galijot
in Porec.
Marinas that are candidates for the award are, Punat, Split,
Dubrovnik, Vodice, Opatija, Cres, Umag and Veruda-Pula.
The final decision on which European beaches and marinas can be
awarded by the Blue Flag will be made by a jury in Copenhagen in mid-
April.
Beaches and marinas which win the award can raise Blue Flags at mast
on June 5, the World Day of Environmental Protection.
Croatia is preparing a project "Blue Flag for the 21st Century"
which should help an increasing number of beaches to fulfil
conditions necessary for achieving the Blue Flag quality water
award, announced a Deputy Tourism Minister, Vinka Cetinski.
(hina) ms.