Blue Flag awarded to over 200 beaches and marinas in the Netherlands

The number of beaches and marinas in the Netherlands with a Blue Flag certification has increased slightly. A total of 202 beaches and marinas throughout the country received the international environmental certificate this year. The certificate is given to beaches and marinas that meet strict requirements in the areas of safety, maintenance, environment, and sustainability.

“The Blue Flag has been a symbol of quality and care for the environment in the Netherlands since the 80s,” Erik Van Dijk, the national coordinator for Blue Flag Netherlands, said. “The fact that the number of participating marinas and beaches has more than doubled in the last 16 years shows that sustainability is an increasingly important subject.”

The environmental certificate was given to 145 marinas this year, 50 seaside beaches, and seven inland beaches. Last year, 200 locations received the Blue Flag, with 195 receiving it the year before.

Spain is top when it comes to countries with the most blue flags. The country has the most beaches with the flags in the world and is in third place when it comes to marinas that received the certificate.