The Regional Director for Sea Affairs stated today on the island of Faial that the various distinctions awarded to the Azorean beach areas evidence the “extraordinary” environmental quality of the archipelago.
 
The assessment was made by Frederico Cardigos during the hoisting ceremony of the “gold quality” award at the Porto de Pim Beach. This initiative is promoted by the National Association for Nature Conservation (Quercus) and aims to distinguish the excellence of beach water in Portugal.

According to him, the award that was symbolically hoisted on Faial today not only distinguishes the Porto Pim Beach, but also “the majority of the Azorean beach areas.”

A total of 41 beaches and beach areas in the Azores were distinguished with the “gold quality” award, which is, according to Frederico Cardigos, a motive of pride for all and an evidence of the “extraordinary environmental quality” of the Azores. 

Questioned on the possible assets brought by these awards, Frederico Cardigos mentioned that the Blue Flag is an award acknowledged at an international level, which is probably one of the selection criteria used by tourists when choosing a beach area.

The Regional Director also mentioned that if one searches on the Internet some of our beach areas using search engines, the results found “are those related to the Blue Flag award,” which, somehow, “demonstrate the importance of such certificates.”