The Blue Flag has been raised at Wadi Lao Beach for the thirteenth consecutive year, a recognition that reflects the commitment of the local community and involved authorities to the strict criteria established by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment and the International Foundation for Environmental Education.
The environmental flag was raised during a ceremony attended by the Governor of Tétouan, Abdel Razak El Mansouri, along with local officials, elected representatives, and civil society actors, in appreciation of their efforts to maintain the quality of bathing water and ensure health, safety, and proper environmental management.
Sami Al-Iklil, the official in charge of coastal and marine programs at the foundation, confirmed that the Blue Flag is a symbol of environmental excellence, noting that its maintenance over the past thirteen years has only been possible through the combined efforts of local authorities, community partners, and civil society.
This recognition serves as a strong incentive to enhance the region’s attractiveness for tourism and economic growth, suggesting that the success of Wadi Lao Beach should motivate other nearby beaches to elevate their environmental management standards.
This award comes as part of the “Clean Beaches” program, which aims to environmentally rehabilitate Moroccan beaches and raise awareness among vacationers about the importance of maintaining cleanliness and the quality of marine spaces. This summer, the flag will also be raised at 28 beaches and four recreational ports.
Morocco ranks 21st globally, first among Arab countries, and second in Africa in terms of the number of sites flying this flag, highlighting the advancements in the country’s beach management policies. The award process is based on four main criteria: water quality, environmental education, safety, and sustainable management.
The “Clean Beaches” program benefits 68 territorial communities, supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities, 25 economic partners, and more than 100 local associations, in partnership with national institutions such as the Ministry of Energy Transition, Health, Civil Protection, and the Directorate of Ports.
The Blue Flag, established by the Foundation for Environmental Education in 1987, is the most important global environmental award. By 2025, there will be a total of 5,195 awarded sites, with 95 percent located in the northern hemisphere.
The Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment introduced this label to Morocco in 2002 through the “Clean Beaches” program, continuing to support coastal communities and help improve beach management, providing a safe and healthy environment for vacationers.
