PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, an awards ceremony was held for the prestigious Blue Flag eco-label, which is bestowed annually on beaches and marinas throughout the world that meet strict environmental and safety criteria. Divi Little Bay Beach Resort and Yacht Club Isle de Sol, the event host, received the award for the fifth time, demonstrating a long-term commitment in their role as leaders in sustainable tourism.
Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), which organized the event, has been the National Operator for the Blue Flag Program on St. Maarten since 2007 and is responsible for conducting site audits and assembling a local jury to review applications. The program is run internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and this year more than 4,100 beaches and marinas in 49 countries were awarded with the Blue Flag.
Mr. Ricardo Perez, Executive Board Member of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA), spoke of his organization’s continued commitment to supporting responsible tourism and its value in strengthening the island’s economy over the long-term.
Minister Ingrid Arrindell of the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications, then awarded the Blue Flag to the recipients, congratulating them on this significant achievement. Minister Arrindell also expressed her concern for protecting our coastal areas, described as St. Maarten’s environmental and economic treasure.
Blue Flag helps to protect these valuable resources through requirements such as testing and posting beach water quality and having sufficient litter bins available. Some of the other accomplishments outlined by the recipients included their educational programs, such as Isle de Sol’s mangrove planting and trash cleanup or Divi’s Bird Walk and kid’s Easter Egg snorkel. Divi has also installed an extensive solar panel system to reduce their carbon footprint while Isle de Sol has expanded their recycling program.
EPIC President Natalia Collier noted “The Blue Flag program is successful thanks to the efforts of our many partners, including the awarded sites, the Tourist Bureau, the SHTA, and the American University of the Caribbean which contributes water quality analysis.”
EPIC continues to promote the Blue Flag award for St. Maarten, which will also soon include an award for commercial tour boats. The organization also manages the island’s Green Key eco-label award for hotels which is being expanded to include restaurants and attractions. Those interested in joining or sponsoring either of these initiatives are encouraged to contact EPIC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 545-3009.