Ponti Beach awarded.
by Urs Raber
The Blue flag is an international eco label related to the field of sustainable tourism, which is awarded every year. If a beach area is awarded with the flag, this indicates a very high standard (excellent, not only good) of cleanliness of the bathing water and the surrounding nature. A series of safety, and accessibility criteria must also be met, controlled and maintained.
The regional unit of Lefkada received 7 Blue flags in 2019. One less than last year, which was a small beach in Nidry. These beaches were awarded: Ponti, Nikitas-Pefkoulia, Agios Ioannis, Kathisma 1, Lefkada-Gyra, Mikros Gialos-Poros, Porto Katsiki and in the marinas category, Lefkas Marina.
Relevant criteria for beaches
To be granted Blue Flag status for beaches, operators must comply with a specific set of criteria.
Fully compliance with requirements and standards for bathing water quality and wastewater treatment: analyze the water quality sampling and frequency requirements and comply with the requirements for the microbiological parameters.
Information about bathing water quality must be displayed.
Setting up a commission for beach management committee, comply with legal requirements, meet waste management standards, Ensure the presence of lifeguards, first aid equipment and safe access to the beach and provide for emergency plans.
The beach must be clean.
Waste disposal bins/containers must be available at the beach in adequate numbers and they must be regularly maintained
Facilities for the separation of recyclable waste materials should be available at the beach.
An adequate number of toilets must be provided and they must be kept clean.
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