The head of Mexico’s Environmental Protection Agency (Profepa), Guillermo Haro Belchez says Mexico will seek to triple its “Blue Flag” beach certifications in 2015.
Belchez says it’s important to show that the beaches of Mexico are environmentally clean and safe to grow tourism in the future.
The statements were made during a “Beach Rule” Winter 2014 event which is a national event in Mexico. Areas included are Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Mazatlan, and other coastal areas along the 17 Mexican coastal states. “Beach Rule” is an awareness program to keep Mexico’s beaches clean.
Mexico currently has 11 certified Blue Flag beaches, two of which are located in the Puerto Vallarta area, Playa Palmares and Nuevo Vallarta North.
The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to more than 4000 beaches and marinas in 48 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
The Blue Flag works towards sustainable development of beaches and marinas through strict criteria dealing with Water Quality, Environmental Education and Information, Environmental Management, and Safety and Other Services.
The Blue Flag Program is owned and run by the non-government, non-profit organization, Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
Would putting out more garbage receptacles help?
Sounds like a great idea, but I wonder how serious they are and how high
(or low) the standards are for being named a “blue flag” beach. If they inspect the beaches in PV after Semana Santa, there won’t be any blue flags!! Ten too, In the summertime, after heavy rains, trash bags float like little boats, first into the river and then on to the ocean.