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- Русский
It is with great pleasure that I accepted the invitation of the Agios Tychonas Community Council, the National Blue Flag Judge and the CYMEPA Organisation to welcome the nationwide ceremony of awarding our country's beaches with the Blue Flag.
The Blue Flag is the most recognised and widespread ecological symbol of quality in the world, which rewards, according to strict criteria, organised coasts. Through this institution, beaches that achieve high quality environmental objectives are rewarded.
A prerequisite for a beach to be awarded the Blue Flag is, among other things, the "excellent" quality of the bathing water, but also compliance with 33 other criteria for beaches and 37 criteria for marinas that certify the quality of their organisation, such as the safety of bathers, proper information for visitors, the cleanliness and organisation of the coast and the coastal area, as well as the protection of natural wealth and environmental awareness.
Swimming is an extremely popular and important sport and leisure activity in Europe. The annual assessment of bathing waters shows the degree of protection of public health and the environment, allowing citizens to make informed decisions about their choices to enjoy the best bathing areas in Europe.
An important achievement for Cyprus is the fact that 77 beaches out of 123 bathing water areas and two marinas meet the criteria to be awarded the Blue Flag this year, which is another important distinction for our country.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, through the Department of Environment, coordinates and has the general responsibility for the implementation of the Law on the Management of Bathing Water Quality, in cooperation with the Health Services and the General State Laboratory, which are responsible for monitoring the quality of bathing waters. Cyprus submits at the end of each year an annual report to the European Commission, in accordance with its obligations under the implementation of Directive 2006/7/EC on the management of bathing water quality.
I am pleased to report that according to the Report prepared and sent to the European Commission for 2022, Cyprus is in compliance with the most stringent requirements of the Bathing Water Quality Management Directive and has fulfilled all its obligations under the Directive. In particular, Cyprus receives a 99.2% compliance rate, with 119 out of 120 bathing water sites classified as excellent quality and only one site not yet classified due to a limited number of samples.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the Health and Public Health Services and the State Chemistry Service for their valuable contribution and cooperation in the implementation of the legislation, as well as CYMEPA, the members of the National Blue Flag Judge and the Local Authorities.
I am sure that this effort is crucial for the protection of a precious resource we have, the sea, as its environmental value adds to the quality of life of our fellow citizens while contributing substantially to the economic progress and development of our country.
Thank you.
(BG)
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