With 33 certified sites, Morocco ranks 21st globally among 50 countries, the first Arab country and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag certified sites, a demanding eco-label symbolizing exemplary environmental management of bathing areas, the Foundation stated in a press release.
The 27 beaches certified in 2024 have all renewed their Blue Flag status, confirming the consistent efforts made by local authorities, their economic partners, and local associations to maintain the high standards of the label throughout the summer season, the Foundation added, specifying that Sol beach, located in the province of Tangier-Assilah, has entered the list of certified beaches, bringing their total to 28 in 2025.
These include the beaches of Oued Laou, Essaouira, Arekmane, El Haouzia, Sidi Rahal 4th section, Bouznika, Ba Kacem, Mdiq, Rifienne, Sidi Ifni, Saïdia Municipale, Station Touristique Saidia Ouest, Dalia, Achakar, Sol, Bedouza, Safi Municipale, Souiria Lakdima, Aglou, Imin Tourgha, Oum Labouir, Foum el Oued, Skhirate, Sidi Abed, Les nations, Aïn Diab extension, Al Minaa, and Est Marina Smir, the press release specified.
The mountain lake Aguelmam Azigza, located in the Khénifra National Park, also renews its Blue Flag status. Nestled between a majestic cliff and a forest of centenary cedars, this jewel of the Middle Atlas has undergone development supported by the Foundation and local authorities to ensure its reception, road access, sanitary facilities, camping areas, and reception services, the same source noted, highlighting that it is the first natural lake in the Kingdom to receive this recognition.
On the side of marinas, Tanja Marina Bay becomes the fourth port site to fly the Blue Flag, after Saïdia (2018), Est Marina Smir (2022), and Al Hoceïma (2023). Opened in 2018 as part of the reconfiguration of the Tangier port, it is now the largest marina in the Kingdom, with 1,400 berths. The quality of its infrastructure, particularly in terms of environmental management and services to boaters, justified the obtaining of the eco-label, it was explained.
Demanding and recognized, the Blue Flag is based on four fundamental criteria: the quality of bathing waters, information and awareness of the environment, hygiene and safety, as well as sustainable development and management, it was noted, adding that unannounced inspections are carried out throughout the summer to verify compliance with these criteria.
All Blue Flag certified beaches are integrated into the “Clean Beaches” program, which mobilizes 68 local authorities each summer, supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities, 25 economic partners, and more than 100 local associations, in collaboration with all institutional partners including the National Laboratory for Studies and Monitoring of Pollution (LNESP) of the Department of Sustainable Development, the General Directorate of Civil Protection, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Directorate of Ports and the Public Maritime Domain of the Ministry of Equipment and Water.
According to the press release, this coordinated network of actors works for nearly three months during the summer period to improve beach facilities, ensure the quality of sand and bathing waters, guarantee safety and sanitary services, and raise awareness among holidaymakers about environmental issues.
For the 2025 edition, 45 beaches submitted their applications, illustrating the growing interest of coastal municipalities in this label, recognized for its contribution to sustainable tourist attractiveness and the enhancement of territories.
All Blue Flag certified beaches are integrated into the Clean Beaches program, which mobilizes 68 local authorities each summer, supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities, 25 economic partners, and more than 100 local associations.
The Blue Flag label was created by the Foundation for Environmental Education in 1987. This eco-label for beaches is the most important in the world. In 2025, 4,928 are located in the Northern Hemisphere, representing about 95% of the global total, contributing to a total of 5,195 awarded sites in the global Blue Flag network.
In Morocco, the Blue Flag eco-label was introduced by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment in 2002 as part of its Clean Beaches program. Thanks to the long-term support work for coastal municipalities that it has carried out, the Foundation has continually evolved its program and increased its efforts to provide environmental education, ensure the protection of the marine environment and human health, improve beach accessibility, and enhance safety.
MAP