The prestigious international Blue Flag label, awarded each year by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the preservation of the ecosystem, headed by Princess Lalla Hasnaa, will be hoisted on 27 beaches and four marinas, thus marking a first in Morocco by also extending to a high altitude lake during the summer period of the year 2024.
By displaying the seal of ecological excellence on 32 sites in total, Morocco ranks 18th among the 43 nations of the northern hemisphere for the number of Blue Flag certified sites. This selective eco-label, established by the Foundation for Environmental Education, was created in the country in 2002 thanks to the initiative of the Mohammed VI Foundation for environmental protection. Morocco stands out as the Arab nation holding the highest number of Blue Flags and ranks second in Africa in this regard.
According to the Foundation’s press release, the beaches concerned by this labeling are: Oued Laou, Essaouira, Arekmane, El Haouzia, Sidi Rahal 4th tranche, Bouznika, Ba Kacem, Mdiq, Rifienne, Sidi Ifni, Saïdia Municipale, Saidia Ouest Tourist Station, Dalia, Achakar, Bedouza, Safi Municipale, Souiria Lakdima, Aglou, Imin Tourgha, Oum Labouir, Foum el Oued, Skhirate, Sidi Abed /El Jadida, Les nations, Aïn Diab extension, Al Minaa and Est Marina Smir.
In a historic first for Morocco, a mountain lake is awarded the Blue Flag label, notably Lake Aguelmam Azigza, located in the heart of the Khénifra National Park. Slender and enclosed between an imposing cliff and a forest of Atlas cedars several centuries old, this “green lake” remains a still virgin gem of the Middle Atlas.
Furthermore, in response to the growing affluence in this place which has become a popular destination in Khenifra and its surroundings, local and territorial administrations have opted for its development through the creation of road access and the construction of service buildings, camp areas, sanitary facilities, among others.
As for Tanja Marina Bay, the fourth marina to hoist the prestigious Blue Flag after Saïdia in 2018, Est Marina Smir in 2022 and Al Hoceïma in 2023, this eco-label represents a natural progression of its expansion.
Inaugurated in 2018 as part of the restructuring of the port of Tangier, it today stands out as the largest marina in the kingdom, with 1,400 berths. Equipped with modern and complete infrastructure, particularly for waste management, it has undeniably been legitimately awarded this environmental certification.
It should be remembered that the Blue Flag is sought after by coastal communities for its summer appeal and positive image. In 2024, 49 beaches applied according to water, environmental education, hygiene/safety and management criteria, controlled during the summer season. Labeled beaches participate in the Clean Beaches program, involving 66 local authorities and various partners to raise awareness, ensure cleanliness, safety and compliance with regulations.
The Mohammed VI Foundation has been leading the “bharblaplastic” (Plastic-Free Beaches) operation against plastic pollution since 2019, extended to labeled beaches, in connection with the United Nations Decade for Sustainable Ocean Sciences.
