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THE BLUE FLAG PROGRAM belongs to the AQUEDUCT & SEWER COSTA RICAN INSTITUTE
The Aqueduct & Sewer Costa Rican Institute, by means of its Central Laboratory, constantly evaluates the quality of the water on Costa Rican Beaches, in order to make sanitary diagnostics and make sure water is safe for the visitors and locals at the coastal areas. It promotes a yearly evaluation system that works also as an incentive for the locals that take care of the beaches. It consists on an ecological award, "Blue Flag". It is given to the communities that have achieved a sufficient level of water ocean quality, residual water treatment, training and education of citizens, security and administration.
The ecological "Blue Flag" Project is offered as a incentive to the hotels, tourism chambers and communities located next to the coasts that protect the beaches of Costa Rica. This Incentive is an adaptation of the campaign "Blue Flag" awarded by the European Union since 1985
The following map shows the beaches awarded with the Blue Flag and it also explains the qualification system.
Qualification:
A: Ocean quality satisfactory. For the beach, potable water access, residuals water treatment, wasted baskets, environmental education, security and administration.
AA: Besides the previous, counting the vigilance, marine current signs, and high season vigilance.
AAA: Besides the previous, it has regulations for camping, comfortable and safe handicap access, auxiliary services, tours information centres, toilets and showers.
AAAA: Besides the previous, it does recycling, vigilance and has an Emergency Committee including Life Guards all year round.
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