Yyteri is again awarded an international environmental certificate as the only beach in Finland!
Yyter Beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certificate in the category of swimming beaches. The certificate is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE international), the world's largest environmental education organisation. To be awarded the certificate, a participant must meet and maintain strict criteria relating to the environment, safety and accessibility.
Yyteri Beach was awarded the first Blue Flag certificate in April 2022 and is currently the only Blue Flag certified beach in Finland. The Blue Flag programme operates in 51 countries through national operators, with more than 5,100 participants.
– Yyteri was awarded Blue Flag certification for the first time already in 2022, as the only beach in Finland! It’s great to have visibility on issues that are important to us, such as safety, responsibility and cleanliness, says Tove Vesterbacka, responsible for the development of the Yyteri area.
To be awarded the Blue Flag eco-label, a site must meet the Blue Flag criteria. The criteria cover 4-6 areas of activity, depending on the type of site, and are different for each type of site. The Blue Flag criteria for beaches are divided into 4 chapters:
- Environmental education and information
- Water quality
- Environmental education and information
- Safety and services
In Finland, Blue Flag is part of the Going Green Oy eco-label range, which also includes Green Key and Green Activities. The Finnish national jury consists of representatives of expert organisations related to the content of the Blue Flag programme, including the Finnish Sailing and Boating Association, the Finnish Swimming Education and Lifesaving Association, Business Finland, Valvira, the Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, the Finnish Camping Association and FEE Finland. All beaches and guest marinas can apply for the Blue Flag programme.