Vassilis Zissimopoulos

“Certification Standard for Sustainable Management and Development of the Mediterranean Beaches – Costa Nostrum Sustainable Beaches”, is an innovative certification standard based on specific indicators through the effect of which the sustainable management and development of each beach (public or “privately” exploited) may be achieved in an objective manner. It’s the first time worldwide that a protocol for the sustainable development and management of the Mediterranean beaches is created, aiming to prevent the environmental causes instead of “curing” them, as well as, proposals are made for economic viability & social well-being of the wider region, in order a balance to be achieved in three pillars of sustainable development. It consists of three main pillars: The initial study of the certified beach incorporates suggestions on the sustainable development and management of the beach based on its capabilities, infrastructures, and its unique characteristics. Secondly, the beach assessment - certification is following, with 39 objective criteria – indicators. And finally, the third pillar is the worldwide promotion of the beach through our website, which also is a free online information portal for Mediterranean tourists, in regard to the infrastructure, classification, and characteristics (natural – technical) of all certified beaches.