Twenty QualityCoast criteria have been adopted to provide
a measure of the sustainability of coastal communities and
of the quality of the information available.
Each criterion provides information on a distinctive aspect
of sustainability.
The criteria are divided into four categories:
- Nature
- Environment
- Identity
- Socio-Economics
The criteria will themselves be the subject of periodic
reviews, a process which will involve the QualityCoast destinations.
| NATURE |
| CRITERIA |
DESCRIPTION |
| 1. NATURE CONSERVATION |
Presence of nature in the territory and international and national designations of of terrestrial and marine (12 nm zone) nature. |
| 2. CONTACT WITH NATURE |
Information and facilities that promote interaction with natural values in the territory, incl. nature education |
| 3. GREEN POLICIES |
The extent to which natural values are enhanced by the local authority and the private sector, throughout the destination. |
| 4. OPEN LANDSCAPES |
Presence of open landscapes and open sea. |
| 5. LIGHT & NOISE MANAGEMENT |
Presence of areas protected against noise and light pollution. |
| ENVIRONMENT |
| CRITERIA |
DESCRIPTION |
| 6. BLUE FLAGS & BEACHES |
Sustainable management of beaches, waterfronts and marinas. |
| 7. WATER MANAGEMENT |
Availability of water, water efficiency, waste water treatment and reuse of depurated water. |
| 8. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION |
Availability and promotion of sustainable transport modes. |
| 9. WASTE & RECYCLING |
Policies and structures for waste collection, recycling and re-use. |
| 10. CLIMATE & ENERGY |
Efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gases and promoting renewable energy. |
| IDENTITY |
| CRITERIA |
DESCRIPTION |
| 11. CULTURAL HERITAGE |
Presence and level of protection of elements that are connected to the history of the destination. |
| 12. TERRITORY & TRADITION |
Presence of valuable landscapes that are man-made or man formed and traditional use of the territory. |
| 13. LOCAL IDENTITY |
Presence and attention for distinct physical and/or social aspects that are considered typical for the destination. |
| 14. HOSPITALITY & SATISFACTION |
The appreciation level of residents and tourists and the efforts of the territory to be a good host. |
| 15. HUMAN RIGHTS & JUSTICE |
Protection of citizens and visitors against human rights violations and corruption. |
| SOCIO-ECONOMICS |
| CRITERIA |
DESCRIPTION |
| 16. TOURISM |
Volume and value of the tourism sector in the destination. |
| 17. DESTINATION MANAGEMENT |
Diversity of opportunities for leisure and recreation and how environmentally friendly these are. |
| 18. BUSINESS INVOLVEMENT |
The extent to which the tourism business community is involved in efforts for sustainable development. |
| 19. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION |
Level of community participation and stakeholder involvement in management and decision-making. |
| 20. HEALTH & SAFETY |
Presence of a healthy, safe and secure environment and of preventive measures. |
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