Long description:

With a worldwide increasing economy, the population increases. Subsequently, human activities increase which have different effects on the environment, the health of humans and animals and the condition of materials. Simply by existing, people have had a negative affect on ecosystems. Ecological problems grow faster than the rate of population and the growth of the world economy. Politicians, corporate managers and other people and institutions in charge, still take decisions solemnly based on economic benefits without even looking at the environmental consequences of it. However, our environmental awareness is increasing. NGO s such as Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that monitor environmental processes are crucial. The Blue Flag Program is one of their concepts that provides guidelines to work towards sustainable development of beaches and marinas. This research aims to produce a comprehensive report and analysis of the key issues related to Blue Flag implementation and the potential benefits of the Blue Flag Program for St. Maarten s tourism industry.