THE BLUE FLAG PROGRAM AS A TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE COASTAL MANAGEMENT

Coastal areas are essential sources of economic power. Excessive and improper use disrupts the natural structure of coastal zones, potentially leading to irreversible impacts. This case hinders the proper utilization of these areas. Many of these impacts are environmental, influencing the economic outputs of coastal regions. Since coasts are significant for tourism, they must comply with eco-label criteria and incorporate standards that support sustainable beach management to ensure sustainable tourism, thereby increasing their attractiveness. In this regard, the Blue Flag program plays an effective role in ensuring the sustainability of coastal management planning. The Blue Flag initiative aims to achieve the highest standards in coastal and beach management through comprehensive and multidisciplinary parameters. It incorporates criteria aligned with the philosophy of an eco-label integrated into environmental management systems. Accordingly, this study examines the extent to which the criteria of the Blue Flag program align with environmental management mechanisms, the principles of integrated coastal zone management, and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. © 2025, Hysen MANKOLLI. All rights reserved.