L'Italo-Americano

L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025 www.italoamericano.org 4 L i g u r i a , P u g l i a , C a l a b r i a , C a m - pania – but also M a r c h e , T u s - c a n y , S a r d i n i a , and Abruzzo. These are the r e g i o n s w i t h t h e h i g h e s t number of Blue Flags in 2025, a quality certification t h a t 2 4 6 I t a l i a n c o a s t a l municipalities and 84 tourist marinas can proudly claim this summer. In total, 487 beaches across the country h a v e e a r n e d t h e l a b e l . Thanks to excellent seawater quality (measured over the past four years), top-tier ser- vices, and a clear commit- ment to environmental sus- t a i n a b i l i t y , I t a l y h a s n o t only confirmed but sur- passed its 2024 results by adding ten new locations. These numbers also reveal that approximately 11.5% of all Blue Flag beaches world- wide are in Italy. That's a significant figure, one that highlights Italy's ongoing efforts to expand t h e n a r r a t i v e a r o u n d tourism and suggest that many lesser-known destina- tions deserve just as much consideration when plan- ning a holiday. Beyond the well-trodden favorites like Forte dei Marmi, the Sor- r e n t i n e P e n i n s u l a , t h e R o m a g n a R i v i e r a , o r t h e beaches of the Conero coast, there is a wealth of places that may be "minor" in fame b u t n o t i n q u a l i t y . T h e s e destinations offer excep - tional standards: pristine b e a c h e s , s a f e s w i m m i n g conditions, efficient recy- cling systems, remarkable landscapes, marine biodi- versity protection, and nat- ural reserve enhancement. Add to that quality tourist services, accessibility for p e o p l e w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s , i n f o r m a t i o n p o i n t s , a n d even camper-friendly facili- ties, and it's easy to see why places like Castrignano del Capo, Margherita di Savoia, and Pulsano in Puglia – or the new additions from Cal- abria, Corigliano Rossano and Cropani – are becoming ideal options for a dream seaside escape, with a level of hospitality that is any- thing but improvised. I n t h e b r o a d e r E u r o - pean context, Spain leads the Blue Flag rankings, fol- l o w e d b y G r e e c e a n d T u r k e y . I t a l y c o m e s i n f o u r t h , b u t t h e s t e a d y annual growth tells a story of real change in the coun- try's tourism strategy. In 2022, 210 Italian munici- palities received the inter- n a t i o n a l c e r t i f i c a t i o n ; i n 2023, that number rose to 226, then to 236 last year – and this summer, it increas- e s a g a i n b y t e n . T h e f a c t that 84 marinas have also been awarded the flag is fur- ther proof that Italy's nauti- c a l t o u r i s m s e c t o r i s embracing sustainable prac- tices, aiming to deliver both high-quality and environ- mentally responsible ser- vices. The Blue Flag isn't just a mark of prestige, it also dri- v e s p o s i t i v e e c o n o m i c impact. Certified beaches attract more visitors, boost l o c a l e m p l o y m e n t , a n d s t i m u l a t e i n v e s t m e n t i n infrastructure. At the same t i m e , t h e y e n c o u r a g e m u n i c i p a l i t i e s t o a d o p t l o n g - t e r m s u s t a i n a b i l i t y strategies—helping to safe- guard both marine and ter- restrial ecosystems. T h e B l u e F l a g " v i s i o n " s p e a k s t o a s u s t a i n a b l e w o r l d w h e r e e d u c a t i o n drives positive change: "The greatest gift we can leave future generations is a world of educated people who care for the environ- ment." With that guiding principle, the Foundation for Environmental Educa- t i o n ( F E E ) – t h e w o r l d ' s largest non-profit organiza- tion dedicated to environ- mental education, active in 81 countries across five con- tinents and recognized by UNESCO as a global leader in environmental and sus- tainable development edu- cation – compiles the annu- al list of Blue Flag beaches. This international certifi- cation is awarded with the goal of promoting sustain- able management practices in coastal municipalities. It provides a framework that places environmental care a n d r e s p o n s i b i l i t y a t t h e heart of local policy deci- sions. While the quality of bathing waters is a manda- tory criterion – only loca- tions with excellent water quality are eligible for the eco-label – many other fac- tors are evaluated: waste- w a t e r t r e a t m e n t , w a s t e management, traffic regula- tion, safety measures, and beach services. When a des- tination meets all of these standards, the outcome is simple: it becomes the obvi- ous choice over others. T h a t t h i s a w a r d - b a s e d model works is backed by the numbers. First, over the past twenty years, the Blue Flag Programme has helped d o z e n s o f I t a l i a n c o a s t a l The Blue Standard: how Bandiere Blu shape the sustainable future of Italy BARBARA MINAFRA NEWS & FEATURES TOP STORIES PEOPLE EVENTS CONTINUED TO PAGE 6 Termoli was awarded a Blue Flag for the third year in a row (Photo: In4mal/Dreamstime)

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