For the 12th time consecutive the beaches and the sea of Loano have obtained the Blue Flag, the international recognition that Fee gives to coastal resorts that meet certain criteria from the standpoint of water quality and services offered.
The Blue Flag was established in 1987, the European Year for the Environment. It is awarded annually in 48 countries around the world that meet criteria related to sustainable land management. The campaign is overseen in the various countries by the Fee, Foundation for Environmental Education. The parameters on the basis of which the Blue Flag is awarded are many: bathing water quality, wastewater purification, environmental certification, waste management, accessibility at beaches, environmental education and communication, and sustainability initiatives.
The mayor of Loano, Luigi Pignocca, participated today in the “virtual handing over ceremony” of the banner on behalf of the municipal administration. “For twelve years in a row now," explained the first citizen, "Loano and the Blue Flag have represented an unbreakable pair. The Fee's recognition testifies An environmentally sustainable growth path and special care for the environmental profiles of bathing and thus represents a guarantee of quality for all Lovran residents and guests who love our sea and regularly visit it during the bathing season.”.
“Getting the Blue Flag again would not have been possible without the close cooperation between the administration, categories, associations and citizens - they add Vice mayor and tourism councilor Remo Zaccaria and environment councilor Manuela Zunino - We want to mention two initiatives in particular. The first concerns cigarettes: last year, in agreement with the bathers, we decided to establish the smoking ban on the beach June 8 to September 30. This measure aimed to combat the bad habit of throwing butts on the ground or in the water, abate nicotine pollution, and improve urban decorum. The results ascertained directly from bathers confirmed the achievement of these goals and, in general, the positive reception by bathers. The second initiative involved the volunteers of Pro Loco, who for several weeks devoted themselves to the Collection of plastic waste found on beaches, a very dangerous yet underestimated source of pollution.”.
“Safeguarding the marine environment requires constant commitment and from each of us. We can all do our part to protect our ecosystem. The Blue Flag symbolizes precisely this commitment. On behalf of the administration, I want to thank the technical department, the environment department and all other offices that cooperated for their excellent work in preparing the documentation and applications,” Mayor Pignocca concluded.
