Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico – Last Friday, three beaches in Nayarit received the prestigious Blue Flag designation for 2024-2025. Nuevo Nayarit, Lo de Marcos, and La Marina de la Cruz de Huanacaxtle were honored at a ceremony hosted by the Bahía de Banderas Trust. The recognition highlights the region’s commitment to environmental excellence and safety.
Nayarit’s Secretary of Sustainable Development, César Octavio Lara Fonseca, emphasized the collaborative efforts of government agencies and the community in safeguarding the state’s natural heritage. He stressed that the Blue Flag certification is a rigorous achievement, demanding stringent environmental standards and safety measures.
Sofía Zavala Macedo, Bahía de Banderas’ Director of Tourism, accepted the awards for Nuevo Nayarit and Lo de Marcos on behalf of Mayor Lía Castro Díaz de León. The Marina Riviera Nayarit’s general manager received the award for La Marina de la Cruz de Huanacaxtle, a repeat recipient of this prestigious recognition.
Beyond coastal achievements, Nayarit’s Santa María del Oro lagoon secured the sole Blue Flag certification for a Latin American body of water. Additionally, Lara Fonseca announced plans to extend Blue Flag status to the entire coastal stretch encompassing Sayulita, Bucerías, San Pancho, and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
This initiative involves federal cooperation and a comprehensive approach addressing environmental, economic, and social factors. Specific actions include regulated beach commerce, plastic reduction, improved beach amenities, lifeguard services, marine species protection, and accessibility enhancements.