Since it was launched thirteen years ago the Green Coast Award has evolved to become the internationally recognized indicator of environmental excellence and this year a record 50 Welsh beaches met the strict criteria.

The award was introduced in Wales in 1997 by environmental campaigners Keep Wales Tidy. It gives recognition to beaches that have demonstrated the highest environmental standards, have top quality bathing water but do not have the built infrastructure necessary to meet land based criteria set for other national and international beach awards.

Emphasis is also placed on local community involvement in the ongoing and long term care of the award beach. This will include the removal of litter and identifying sites of ecological and historical interest to ensure that their beach maintains its status as a quality destination.

Lesley Jones, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy commented. "When the award was established an ambitious target of 50 award winning beaches was set. Thanks to the investments made by local authorities and Welsh Water we can tell the world to visit Wales if they want to enjoy a quality beach experience far removed from the intrusions normally associated with traditional resort beaches."

She added, "We know how important the tourism industry is to the Welsh economy and to attract visitors we have to ensure that we set the highest standards of cleanliness along our coastline and inland".

Abererch beach in Pwllheli is amongst the record number of award winning beaches and Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones will unveil a commemorative slate plaque at the beach on Monday 12 April at 10.45am.

The Minister commented. "The outstanding natural beauty of Wales's coastline is a great asset for those who live here and visitors to enjoy. Therefore, maintaining the natural beauty of our beaches is of upmost importance to our tourism industry and these awards recognise high standards of cleanliness achieved at these sites."

Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing, Jane Davidson said:

"I am committed to helping local communities improve their surroundings and delighted that a record 50 Welsh beaches have now won Green Coast Awards.

"These awards are special because they recognise the real difference that communities can make to their local environment. I’d like to congratulate everyone who has contributed to us reaching this important goal.

"Our beautiful and diverse coastline is one of Wales’s greatest assets, but with our good fortune comes responsibility. We can all play a part in maintaining our beaches and in improving our local environment, wherever we live."

The Green Coast Awards are administered in Ireland by An Taisce and by Tidy Northern Ireland. Their results will be announced in June.

The award winning beaches are:

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. For more information please contact:

Wynne Williams, Communications Manager, Keep Wales Tidy

Tel 01286 674081 or 029 2072 6993. Mobile 07824 504791

or

Sarah Philpott, Communications Officer, Keep Wales Tidy

Tel 029 2038 1737. Mobile 07769 708980

2. Keep Wales Tidy is a registered Environmental Charity working for the improvement of Wales’s local environments. Visit our website for more information: www.keepwalestidy.org