Minister for Gozo, Clint Camilleri, has confirmed that Gozo’s three main beaches – Ramla l-Hamra, Hondoq ir-Rummien and Marsalforn, have been awarded the blue flag status

In May, the International Blue Flag Jury of the Foundation for Environmental Education International (FEE) in Copenhagen made the announcement that the Blue Flag had been awarded to 11 beaches in Gozo and Malta, which included the above 3 in Gozo.

On basing their judgement, the jury also took into account measures put in place to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Minister Camilleri said that the main aim of the Ministry for Gozo is to beautify the beaches on the island for the benefit of Gozitans, Maltese and tourists. “This while at the same time also attracting sustainable tourism.”

He explained how, “the blue flag brings with it many responsibilities, not only for the authorities but also for anyone who frequents one of these beaches. We want to ensure good water quality, adequate environmental management, strengthening environmental education, as well as ensuring full safety on the beach.”

The Minister said that during the last few weeks the ‘Beautify Our Country’ campaign had got underway, coordinated by the Office of the Principal Permanent Secretary.

The campaign involved the cleaning of various locations around Gozo, which included the main Victoria car park being cleaned and upgraded, new parking lines painted and new signs installed, as well as the planting of trees and shrubs.

Other locations cleaned were the Marsalforn valley and car park, the Xlendi car park, Triq Marsalforn, Triq il-Qala and Triq is-Xlendi, as well as countryside around Gharb.

Various monuments and fountains were also cleaned: Mons Luigi Vella – Savina Square, the Villa Rundle fountain, the 1881 Fountain – on the Victoria crossroads, and the monument of Corpus Christi – Independence Square, Victoria.

The Minister for Gozo, thanked the Eco-Gozo Directorate and its workers, saying that “without whom this work would certainly not have been possible.”

Photo: MGOZ

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