The Blue Flag USA program is excited to announce a new beach candidate pursuing the Blue Flag Award: Delray Beach, FL. The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA), national operator for the Blue Flag USA program, has been working with beaches around the US to determine their current level of compliance with the Blue Flag eco-award criteria and Delray has met the initial requirements to be a Blue Flag beach candidate- the second level of engagement in the Blue Flag Award process.
The Blue Flag award process includes four levels of engagement between the host location and the Blue Flag program. They include: Interest, Candidate, Applicant, and Award. Interested beaches engage in Blue Flag presentations and conversations with staff. Candidate sites have submitted their Self-assessment Questionnaire for staff review and are working to meet criteria through partnerships, educational webinars and toolkits, and one-on-one meetings with staff. Applicant sites are meeting all the criteria and are ready to submit a full application in the next award cycle. Finally, Awards are issued to sites by the international Jury each year and audited by staff.
Sites looking to learn more about the process and particulars can reach out to staff any time and submit a Self-assessment Questionnaire for staff review. Not a site but looking to get involved? Contact us for more information and opportunities to support sites nationally or in your area.
Contact:
Annie Mercer, Program Coordinator – blueflagusa@asbpa.org
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ABOUT BLUE FLAG USA: The Blue Flag eco-award is one of five environmental education programs offered by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The award is offered to beaches, marinas, and tourism boats meeting over 30 criteria for water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, safety and services, sustainable tourism, and social responsibility. ASBPA launched the Blue Flag USA program at the 2021 National Coastal Conference in New Orleans.
ABOUT ASBPA: Founded in 1926, the ASBPA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that advocates for healthy coastlines by promoting the integration of science, policies and actions that maintain, protect and enhance the coasts of America. For more information on ASBPA, go to www.asbpa.org, Facebook or www.twitter.com/asbpa. This information is provided by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association. For information, contact us at managing@asbpa.org.