We are very excited that Aruba is applying for the Blue Flag Certification for three of our most beautiful beaches, including the Mangel Halto Beach on the Spanish Lagoon. The other beaches in the run are the Baby Beach and the beach at Arashi.
The Blue Flag certification is a European initiative and is awarded on the basis of a.o. environmental criteria including bathing water quality, coastal environmental management, planning and protection.
The Mangel Halto beach gets its name from the mangroves. Mangrove forests worldwide are endangered, so we hope that the new pier, bridge and boardwalks will help limit the effect of humans on these wonderful members of our coastal ecosystem. Vehicles are no longer allowed on the beach or in the mangroves.