The international Blue Flag was raised on Friday over Essaouira beach for the 21st consecutive year. Awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag label has been promoted in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, chaired by Princess Lalla Hasnaa. An official ceremony was held to celebrate the certification of the «City of Alizés» beach under the national Clean Beaches program. The event was attended by the Governor of the Province, Mohammed Rachid, along with representatives of local and security authorities, heads of external services, civil society actors, and other public figures. Speaking to MAP, Mohammed Hassou, Director of Ports for the Marrakech-Safi region, stressed that the recognition is the result of a collective effort to improve bathing water quality, upgrade beach infrastructure, promote environmental education, and ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. He added that the National Ports Agency (ANP), as a public institution, reaffirms its commitment to advancing environmental awareness and encouraging younger generations to take part in protecting the environment and preserving Morocco's coastal assets. For the occasion, awareness booths run by local associations and organizations were set up to educate beachgoers on eco-friendly habits and local environmental initiatives. This summer, the Blue Flag will fly over 28 beaches, a mountain lake, and four marinas across Morocco. With 33 certified sites, the country ranks 21st globally out of 50 participating nations. Morocco also holds the distinction of being the leading Arab country and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag-certified locations — a demanding international ecolabel that recognizes exemplary environmental management of recreational water areas.
