The Blue Flag Programme, a world-renowned eco-label trusted by millions around the globe, is operated under the auspices of the Foundation for Environmental Education, which has its headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. In order to qualify for this prestigious award, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria must be met and maintained. Through close collaboration with its members on any or all problems they may have, the Foundation for Environmental Education works tirelessly to ensure the expansion of the Programme, and the maintenance internationally of the unrivalled standards of the Blue Flag.

Since 1992 the HSPN has been the national operator of the Blue Flag, a Programme which is aimed at ecological management of beaches, marinas and tourist boats.

In 2022, 581 Greek beaches, 15 marinas and 6 tourism boats were awarded with the Blue Flag.

The Blue Flag Programme was started in France in 1985. It has been operating in Europe since 1987 and in areas outside of Europe since 2001, when South Africa joined. Today, Blue Flag has become a truly global Programme with an ever-increasing number of countries participating in the programme.

The Blue Flag Programme promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine areas. It challenges local authorities and beach operators to achieve high standards in the four categories of: water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. Over the years, the Blue Flag has become a highly respected and recognised eco-label working to bring together the tourism and environmental sectors at local, regional and national levels.