What is QualityCoast?
What is the QualityCoast Award?
What are the QualityCoast criteria?
How to join QualityCoast
How to apply for a QualityCoast Award
Benefits for the QualityCoast Destinations
Deadlines for Application
 
QualityCoast Programme
 

What are the QualityCoast criteria?

 

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.