Three beaches in Gozo, Ramla l-Hamra, Hondoq ir-Rummien and Marsalforn, have again obtained Blue Flag status.
The Award means that those beaches have reached high standards in four main categories – water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and beach safety.
Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri visited Ramla, where he said that, “for another year we managed to keep three Blue Flags for the island of Gozo. I thank the Beach Management Team under the supervision of the Intervention Team within the Ministry for Gozo who work hard with the aim of maintaining these three Blue Flags and if possible, we will add new beaches to the list.”
He added that this year the Ministry applied for Xwejni beach as a quality beach with plans to obtain the Blue Flag in the coming years.
The Minister said that in addition to the positive comments passed by the jury that gave the Award to these beaches, it highly praised the activities that took place last season in these same beaches.
It was explained that among the many works that are done throughout the year, this year an investment was made in a new lifeguard tower for Marsalforn beach and new facilities were added in Xwejni beach apart from the previous facilities in Ramla l-Hamra and Hondoq ir-Rummien.
In Xwejni Beach new information boards have been added, there is a new swimming area for better health and safety measures, in the coming days a new parking area will be made for people with disabilities and there are several planned educational activities in this area. In addition, there are plans to have a lifeguard service in the near future, the Minister said.
Minister Clint Camilleri encouraged the public to observe the regulations and keep the beaches clean. “Above all, the beaches of our island are essential for the summer tourist product.”
Present for this conference was also the CEO of Nature Trust Malta Vince Attard.