by Raffaele Vitali
‘The sky is always bluer’ but so are the beaches. If Rino Gaetano were still alive, never before would he be the protagonist of the great party that the Marche region will stage to celebrate the 19 blue flags flying on the coast after the FEE’s decision to readmit Porto Sant’Elpidio. An entry that brings the region to fifth place in Italy, even ahead of Tuscany.
Liguria holds the record in the number of locations with the Blue Flag recognition awarded by FEE Italia, 34, the same number as in a year thanks to two exits compensated by two entrances, those of Borgo Verezzi and Recco. Puglia follows, which rises to 24 Blue Flags, registering 3 new Municipalities and one exit. On the podium with 20 Campania and Calabria, both with a new entry.
Then it’s time for Marche with 19, followed by Tuscany with 18 and Sardinia with 15, like Abruzzo. Far away are Veneto and Emilia Romagna with nine. “Our Italy is increasingly blue. With the entry of the new locations, Italy rises to 485 beaches certified for the excellent quality of the sea and good environmental sustainability practices, i.e. over 11% of those awarded to the world: a recognition that once again attests to the high level of the Italian offer in terms of ecology, services and hospitality as well as being an additional ally in increasing the competitiveness, visibility and reputation of the structures and of the ‘Italia’ brand” comments the Minister of Tourism Daniela Santanchè.
The Fermo area contributes with its municipalities. Starting from the southernmost one, Pedaso. “Great satisfaction, for the 12th year we can present the blue flag on our coast. It is a stimulus to travel new environmental and sustainable paths. A value in future perspective, with the realization of the important investments related to coastal defense in the implementation phase. The face of the Pedasso sea is being renewed, but will maintain its beauty and naturalness” comments Giuseppe Galasso, the deputy mayor who in Rome withdrew the banner for the small municipality at the center of huge tourist investments.
Mayor Valerio Vesprini and councilor Fabio Senzacqua of the municipality of Porto San Giorgio were also satisfied: “The blue flag is a source of pride for all the people of San Giorgio. We once again managed to achieve this objective despite the complexities of the Fee parameters. Every year our commitment also grows in favor of environmental education, with specific initiatives carried out together with the La Marina Ecoidee center in favor of knowledge of the sea, its history and its riches”.
For Fermo there were councilor Ciarrocchi and councilors Faggio and Pascali. “A recognition that brings tourism” is the message sent by mayor Calcinaro. The most excited obviously was the mayor of Porto Sant’Elpidio Massimiliano Ciarpella, accompanied by councilor Bracalente, who brought the flag back to the city after years. “What can I say… we did it” was the councilor’s message via social media.
Completing the axis of the Sibillini coast is Altidona, with the mayor Porrà engaged for years in policies to protect the coastline which, after the new cliffs, will soon be enriched with new establishments.
The Fee is based on 32 criteria which are updated periodically in order to push the participating local administrations to commit to solving, and improving over time, the problems relating to land management for careful protection of the environment. For Claudio Mazza, president of Fee, “the number of flags is increasing, but above all the sensitivity and awareness of citizens, who deserve the credit for this recognition, is growing. Every Blue Flag Administration knows well that virtuous management of the territory also necessarily involves the training and involvement of individuals, schools, associations, local activities and all operators”.
The Fee, founded in 1981, is an international non-governmental and non-profit organisation, registered as a charity in the United Kingdom and with headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, currently present in 81 countries on five continents. The main objective of the Fee programs is the dissemination of good practices for environmental sustainability, through multiple education and training activities, with particular attention to schools of all levels.
