The international label “Blue Flag” was raised on Saturday at Oum Labouir beach in Dakhla for the 13th consecutive year.
Awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the “Blue Flag” label has been held in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, chaired by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa.
A flag-raising ceremony for the “Blue Flag” at this beach took place in the presence of the Secretary General of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, Abderrazak El Gourji, local elected officials, civil society actors, and representatives of public services.
In a statement to MAP, the director of beaches in the municipality of Dakhla, Mohamed Maazar, indicated that “Oum Labouir beach has maintained this label since 2012, reflecting the continuity of efforts made by all partners.”
These efforts, he continued, are part of a partnership agreement involving the municipal council, the regional Wilaya, the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, and the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), as well as the General Directorate of Local Authorities.
For his part, the head of the Environment service at ONEE (Electricity branch), Mohamed El Amine, emphasized that the Office ensures the cleanliness of this beach, noting that maintaining the Blue Flag label demonstrates adherence to standards regarding cleanliness, safety, and facilities.
As part of the “Clean Beaches” program, the Office actively contributes to the site’s equipment, regular maintenance, the establishment of educational materials, and the organization of awareness campaigns.
The “Blue Flag,” which will fly over 28 beaches, a mountain lake, and four marinas for the 2025 summer season, is a demanding international label that requires not only impeccable water quality but also focuses on safety, beach and back-beach development, as well as awareness of environmental protection.
With 33 labeled sites, Morocco ranks 21st globally among 50 countries, being the first Arab country and the second in Africa for the number of “Blue Flag” labeled sites, a demanding eco-label symbolizing exemplary environmental management of bathing areas.