Brazil released the list of its 38 most sustainable and clean beaches in 2024

With 38 beaches chosen in recent days, Brazil reached a new record of certifications in the Blue Flag Programone of the most recognized awards that grants a seal of excellence to the beaches and marinas of each country committed to sustainability, safety and respect for visitors.

Recognized for their commitment to the preservation of the environment and sustainable tourism, this year 38 beaches in Brazil were distinguished while in 2023 there had been 31.

The approvals are part of the 2024/2025 season and include destinations in the states of Santa Catarina, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Bahia, Alagoas and Ceará.

The Blue Flag ceremony will take place on November 1 in Salvador, state of Bahia.

What does this quality seal consist of? In the Blue Flag Program the international jury is made up, among others, of the Foundation for Environmental Education, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). and the European Union for Coastal Conservation (EUCC).

In Brazil, it is coordinated by the Foundation for Environmental Education and, since 2005, by the Institute of Networked Environments, in addition to Embratur, the Ministry of Tourism, the Federal Heritage Secretariat (SPU), the Ministry of Environment and Change Climate, the Brazilian Association of State Environmental Entities (Abema), the National Association of Municipalities and Environment (Anamma), the Brazilian Aquatic Rescue Society, the Brazilian Coastal Management Agency and the Brazilian Nautical Association.

The president of Embratur, Marcelo Freixo, celebrated the result: “The Government is working in collaboration with the states and municipalities in this process of qualifying our destinations and making our beaches more sustainable.”

The Blue Flag Program evaluates strict criteria established by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), focused on environmental management, water quality, environmental education, safety and services, sustainable tourism and responsibility. And the destinations are evaluated by a national and an international jury.

To receive recognition, beaches and marinas must demonstrate each year that meet the following criteria:

• The quality of the water and compliance with sampling standards that guarantee it is suitable for bathing.

• The existence of sanitary facilities in good condition.

• The beach must have baskets with waste separation.

• The environment must be kept clean, free of algae and plant debris.

• The presence of lifeguards and first aid services is valued.

• The presence of unauthorized vehicles and tents is undesirable.

• The beach equipment and constructions must be in good condition.

• At least six community educational activities must be carried out on site.

• Information on the Blue Flag certification, as well as data on water quality, must be shown to the visiting public.

• There must be a guarantee of security in access and use of the beach.

• Mandatory rules for coexistence with dogs and other animals on the beach must be established and communicated.

• They must have a source of drinking water.

• If the municipality has more than one Blue Flag beach, at least one of them must have facilities (access and toilets) for people with motor disabilities.

The Brazilian beaches distinguished by the Blue Flag Program for the next summer season are the following:

In the state of Santa Catarina:

• In San Francisco do Sul: Ervino Beach, Praia do Forte, Praia Grande and Praia da Saudade.

• In Camboriu: Estaleiro Beach, Estaleirinho Beach and Taquaras Beach.

• In Bombinhas: Quatro Ilhas Beach, Mariscal Beach and Conceição Beach.

• In Balneário Piçarras: Piçarras Beach and Ponta do Jacques Beach.

• In Itá: Prainha de Itá.

• In Florianópolis: Fairy Lagoon.

• By Governor Celso Ramos: Praia das Cordas and Praia Grande.

• En Penha: Praia da Bacia da Vovó, Praia da Saudade and Praia Grande.

• In Buzios: Azeda and Azedinha, Tucuns and Praia do Forno.

• In San Pedro da Aldeia: Pedras de Sapiatiba Beach.

• In the city of Rio de Janeiro: Grumari, Prainha and Praia da Reserva (Nelson Mandela section).

• In Saquarema: Praia das Pedras de Itaúna.

• In Arraial do Cabo: Lagunar Caiçara.

• In Guarujá: Tombo Beach.

• In Guarajuba: Paradise Beach.

• My Best Itacimirim: Espera Beach.

• In Salvador: Ponta de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe Beach and Praia da Viração.

• In Porto de Pedras: Patacho Beach.

• In Caucaia: Cumbuco Beach.