Certification Programs – What do they all mean?

As part of its maturing and spread across the globe, ecotravel has been accompanied by a variety of certification programs. These can be useful for travelers in trying to select a destination, a vendor, an accommodation or other elements of a green vacation or trip.

Summarized below are some of these programs and their strengths and limitations where appropriate.

Blue Flag Programme – flagging the greenest beaches! Over 3400 beaches across 41 countries both fresh and saltwater have been awarded the blue flag ecolabel. From Morocco to New Zealand to Brazil to Canada and the Caribbean, blue flag beaches are recognized for their sustainability using strict criteria for water quality, environmental management (adequate waste disposal and recycling containers, beach free of garbage but not of natural debris, adequate restroom facilities etc.), environmental education and information, and safety and other services.

The Blue Flag program started in France in 1985 where coastal communities were awarded flags based on criteria for sewage treatment and water quality. The program has taken off, expanding in scope and now inspectors visit beaches awarded the blue flag to ensure the criteria are being met.

You can find a list of beaches awarded the Blue Flag on the programs web site. Unfortunately, the program has not yet been adapted in the United States or Mexico and participation is Canada is limited to the Lake Ontario region. However, if your travel plans take you to Europe, this program may help you make plans for which beaches to visit! NOTE: Logo used with permission.

For ideas on European travel, contact: Green Concierge Travel, info@greenconciergetravel.com, or 608.204.2717, 877.200.2844 toll free.

EarthCheck and Green Globe Certification
EarthCheck uses the Green Globe Brand and continues to help businesses in the hospitality industry assess, plan and improve upon their environmental and sustainable footprint. You can search this worldwide benchmarking and certification program for the travel and tourism industry leaders user the Member Search website. Or learn more about current progress and activities in the sustainable tourism sector on their NEWS website or from their blog.