Ramla Bay in Gozo, started off the summer season with a ceremony to raise the Blue Flag, and is now recognised as a beach of quality. Ramla was awarded the flag at the end of April, along with two others in Gozo – Hondoq and Marsalforn.

The prestigious flag and award certificate was presented by Vincent Attard, Executive President/CEO of Nature Trust – FEE Malta to the Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Julia Farrugia Portelli and Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, who proceeded to hoist the flag.

Minister Farrugia Portelli stated that beaches in Malta and Gozo are an integral part of our tourism product and varying from stretches of sand ideal for sunbathing, to pristine shallow waters primed for snorkeling, the sea and beaches are popular worldwide with locals and tourists.

The Minister encouraged the general public to enjoy summer responsibly by respecting social distancing and hygiene.

Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri stated that Blue Flags “promote sustainability and challenge local authorities, beach managers and beach operators to achieve high standards in the four categories; of water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety.”

The Minister explained that this year more wooden walkways were put down to improve accessibility.

He added that although Covid-19 brought quite a few challenges, “the Ministry for Gozo together with MTA are making sure that our beaches are safe and all regulations are being followed.”

Beach supervisors will be observing and monitoring popular and also non-popular beaches this year, with around 80 applicants being engaged for this summer, the Minister said.

Minister Camilleri went on to say that Mgarr ix-Xini and Xlendi, as well as Santa Marija and the Blue Lagoon in Comino are also being monitored

Also present at the flag-raising ceremony were MTA Chairman Dr Gavin Gulia and officials from both Ministries and MTA.

Dr Gavin Gulia stated that, “the authority is keen to ensure that the beach product on our islands is as good as it can possibly be. To this effect, MTA is pleased to support the Ministry for Gozo in the provision of lifeguards, beach supervisors and other expenses for beaches and bathing locations in Gozo and Comino. This year, a budget of more than €500.000 has been allocated for this support.”

In addition to Ramla Bay, another 10 beaches were awarded this accreditation for the current year, having successfully fulfilled 29 criteria which include standards for water quality, safety, environmental education and information, the provision of services and general environmental management criteria.

Blue Flag beaches offer a safe and clean environment in which to enjoy the seaside. Regular water quality testing, lifeguard services, first aid stations, and services for the disabled ensure that beach users are offered an excellent service in any circumstance.

An adequate number of waste-separation bins, clean toilets and showers, and regular beach cleaning and sand sifting are all part of the high standard offered by Blue Flag beaches.

Through the Blue Flag Programme, the MTA and Nature Trust said that they are “promoting sustainable development and prompting beach operators to achieve high standards, bringing together the tourism and environmental sectors at local, regional and national levels.”

Photo: MGOZ/George Scerri

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