Bouznika beach maintains its “clean beach” status by obtaining the “blue flag” for the 15th consecutive year. The international label was awarded by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment and the International Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). According to these foundations, the renewal of the eco-label is dependent on the maintenance and continuous improvement of the achievements based on an annual re-evaluation by the FEE of the state of the beneficiary beaches.
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The beach of Bouznika has thus been identified by a blue flag. In their approach to sustainable development, the beach managers have benefited from the support of the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (Onee), as well as the people of the commune of Bouznika. Among other things, Onee supervised the daily cleaning of the beach and its surroundings, sifted the sand, and provided rubbish bins and bags made of recycled materials to be placed all along the beach of Bouznika.
Reduction of marine plastic pollution
For the 2021 summer season, the “Blue Flag” has been awarded to 27 beaches and marinas along the Moroccan coast, compared to 26 in 2020. Like Bouznika, these beaches promote water quality, sanitation, safety and accessibility. In addition, the various beaches maintain a permanent display of relevant information about their biodiversity, ecosystems and environmental phenomena. These initiatives contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems threatened by pollution. Among the main pollutants on the beaches are single-use plastics, cigarette butts, plastic drink bottles, plastic bottle caps, food packaging, plastic shopping bags, straws and stirrers, foam takeaway containers, etc.
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Labelled municipalities in Morocco will take over the complete management of the beaches within their boundaries. These municipalities will be supported by the “clean beaches” programme of the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities, the ministerial departments concerned and economic partners who will provide managerial skills and financial support.
Inès Magoum