‘Saint Nikolaos Beach’ in Arkasa one of the 425 Blue Flags in Greece for 2009
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May 28, 2009
The ‘Saint Nikolaos Beach’ in Arkasa, Karpathos was amongst the 425 Blue Flags awarded to beaches in Greece for 2009.With 425 beaches awarded the international eco-label by the independent, non-profit organization Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece placed second among 39 countries. 
The Blue Flags are awarded on a basis of 29 criteria including cleanliness of the coast and the sea, organization, information, safety, and protection of the coastal environment. The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development at beaches/marinas through strict criteria dealing with water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and other services.
The Blue Flag Program includes environmental education and information for the public, decision makers and tourism operators. BEACH CRITERIA ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INFORMATION Information relating to coastal zone ecosystems and natural, sensitive areas in the coastal zone must be displayed. Information about bathing water quality must be displayed. Information about the Blue Flag Program must be displayed. Code of conduct for the beach area must be displayed and the laws governing beach use must be easily available to the public upon request. A minimum of 5 environmental education activities must be offered. WATER QUALITY Compliance with the requirements and standards for excellent bathing water quality. No industrial or sewage related discharges may affect the beach area. Monitoring on the health of coral reefs located in the vicinity of the beach. Compliance of the community with requirements for sewage treatment and effluent quality. Algae or other vegetation should be left to decay on the beach unless it constitutes a nuisance. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT A beach management committee must be established to be in charge of instituting environmental management systems and conduct regular environmental audits of the beach facility. The beach must comply with all regulations affecting the location and operation of the beach (coastal zone planning and environmental legislation). The beach must be cleanWaste disposal bins/receptacles must be available on/by the beach in adequate numbers, regularly maintained and emptied. Facilities for receiving recyclable waste materials must be available on/by the beach. Adequate and clean sanitary facilities with controlled sewage disposal. On the beach there will be no unauthorized camping or driving and no dumping. Regulation concerning dogs and other domestic animals on the beach must be strictly enforced. All buildings and equipment of the beach must be properly maintained. Sustainable means of transportation must be promoted in the beach area.
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