3 VI beaches recognized for environmental, educational commitment

An international nonprofit once again conferred “Blue Flag” status on three U.S. Virgin Islands beaches after they met and maintained “stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria,” the V.I. Conservation Society and USVI Hotel and Tourism Association announced this week.

The nonprofit, non-governmental Foundation for Environmental Education, based in Denmark, oversees the program, which certifies beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism boats that connect the public with nature and encourage them to learn more about the environment through educational activities and information displays. The organization certified 5121 beaches, marinas and boats across 51 countries in 2024.

The Emerald Beach Resort at Lindbergh Bay, the Ritz Carlton Resort beach at Great Bay — both on St. Thomas — and Tamarind Reef Resort at Green Cay Beach, in St. Croix, received the certification this year. Further, according to a joint press release by the V.I. Conservation Society and Blue Flag USVI, all three eliminated Styrofoam from their operations and were recognized by V.I. Clean Coasts — a partnership between VICS and the Planning and Natural Resources Department.