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3 USVI Beaches Receive Prestigious Blue Flag Certification

The USVI Hotel & Tourism Association (HTA) along with the VI Conservation Society (VICS) announced Thursday that after an extensive annual review process, three of the territory's beaches once again were awarded the Blue Flag status by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).  Blue Flag is an exclusive eco-label promoting sustainable tourism and awarded to beaches and marinas worldwide who meet the established criteria of the program, according to the release. It started with 10 participating countries in 1987 and today the Blue Flag Program continues to grow and has been implemented in 45 countries at more 4,000 beaches and marinas across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean. The three beaches receiving this coveted certification are: on St. Thomas-- Emerald Beach, Great Bay; Green Cay Beach at Tamarind Reef on St. Croix. The Blue Flag certification is based on compliance with 32 criteria including environmental education an...