Nicosia, Cyprus. Forty-six beaches and two marinas in Cyprus are flying the Blue Flag for quality and sustainable coastal management, the Cyprus Marine Environment Protection Association (Cymepa) said on Friday. Twenty-five of the awarded beaches provide facilities for people with disabilities.
Blue Flag programme
The Blue Flag programme is run by the Foundation for Environmental Education and is implemented in more than 50 countries.
The award is based on criteria including bathing water quality, environmental management, safety, services, environmental information and education, and sustainable coastal management.
Awarded locations
Of the 46 awarded beaches, 27 are in Famagusta, three in Larnaca, three in Limassol and 13 in Paphos.
The two awarded marinas are Limassol Marina and Ayia Napa Marina.
Accessibility facilities
Cymepa said accessibility is a priority, with at least one beach in each municipality required to provide access and toilets for people with disabilities.
Twenty-five of the awarded beaches have facilities and infrastructure for people with mobility difficulties, providing safe access to the sea. These include 16 beaches in Famagusta, three in Larnaca, two in Limassol and four in Paphos.
Eight of the beaches are equipped with the Seatrac system, which allows autonomous access to the sea.