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 three categories:
- Nature & Biodiversity
- Environment
- Socio-Economics
The criteria will themselves be the subject of periodic
reviews, a process which will involve the QualityCoast destinations.
| NATURE |
| CRITERIA |
DESCRIPTION |
| 1. NATURAL VALUES |
Presence of internationally and nationally important
habitats and species that occur within the territory. |
| 2. INFORMATION & EDUCATION |
Information sources and facilities that promote interaction
with the natural values in and around the territory. |
| 3. CONTACT WITH NATURE |
Appropriate level of accessibility of natural areas
for low pressure recreational access and nature experience. |
| 4. GREEN POLICIES |
The extent to which natural values are enhanced through
cross-sectoral approaches. |
| 5. OPEN LANDSCAPES |
Presence of open landscapes and existing trends in
land use and land cover patterns. |
| 6. QUIET PLACES |
Presence of areas where people can escape from traffic,
crowds and noise. |
| ENVIRONMENT |
| CRITERIA |
DESCRIPTION |
| 7. TOURISM PRESSURE |
The pressure and the impacts of tourism on the territory
and the way the applicant is controlling tourism pressure. |
| 8. BUSINESS INVOLVEMENT |
The extent to which the local business community is
involved in efforts for environment, sustainable development
and marine conservation. |
| 9. BLUE FLAGS & BEACHES |
Environmental beach management, meeting bathing water
quality standards of Directive 2006/7/EC and Blue Flag. |
| 10. WATER MANAGEMENT |
Sources of water, environmental and efficient use
of water, supply, waste water treatment and reuse of
depurated water. |
| 11. SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION |
Availability and promotion of sustainable transport
modes. |
| 12. WASTE & RECYCLING |
Policies and structures for waste collection, recycling
and re-use. |
| 13. CLIMATE & ENERGY |
Policy aimed at reducing greenhouse gases and promoting
renewable energy. |
| SOCIO-ECONOMICS |
| CRITERIA |
DESCRIPTION |
| 14. CULTURAL HERITAGE |
Presence and level of protection of elements that
are connected to the history of the territory. |
| 15. TERRITORY & TRADITION |
Presence of valuable landscapes that are man-made
or man formed and traditional use of the territory. |
| 16. LOCAL IDENTITY |
Presence and attention for a distinct physical and/or
social aspect that is considered typical for the territory. |
| 17. LEISURE & RECREATION |
The way sustainability aspects are taken into account in leisure and recreation activities and facilities in the territory. |
| 18. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION |
Local initiatives to promote community participation
and stakeholder involvement in management and decision-making. |
| 19. SATISFACTION & HOSPITALITY |
The appreciation level of residents and tourists regarding
the territory. |
| 20. HEALTH & SAFETY |
Presence of a healthy, safe and secure environment
and of preventive measures. |
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