The Blue Flag is an European project that rewards achievements within the preservation of the sea and coastline that started 15 years ago, and includes beaches and marinas. From the year 2000 it has extended throughout the world.

From the year 1997 Croatia is a member of this project, when the non governmental organization “Our Lovely” was nominated by the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe to be a national coordinator and carrier of this project in the Republic of Croatia. The Blue Flag symbolizes unpolluted, safe and healthy environment, but it also includes an elaborated system of managing coastal resources, and emphasizes sustainable development within the hospitality industry.

Beaches and marinas that carry the Blue Flag are recognized as properties offering a high quality services, carrying for their environment, and have properly equipped supporting facilities. The Blue Flag is not only a symbol of quality and ecological perseverance, but the carriers of it can count themselves as top tourism destinations.

This prestigious symbol is awarded only to those beaches and marinas which meet all the requirements which are set according to individual criteria, but have in common the fact that they always take care of the quality of the sea and the coastline. The Blue Flag is a symbol that communicates high standards that the marinas and beaches have meet. The Blue Flag is awarded for the period of one year, and it is proudly raised at the beginning of June. For each year it is necessary to maintain the standards and fill out a questionnaire for the license to be extended.