Five beaches lost their “blue flag” in 2009, meaning they did not perform up to standard when measured for pollution and the health of their ecosystem.

The beaches include Bejuco, El Rey, Hermosa de Garabito and Quesera, all in Puntarenas.

Of the 81 beaches participating in the program, 61 were recognized with blue flags.

Topping the list with five stars are Guanacaste's Punta del Madero and Playa Blanca de Punta Leona near Jacó.

Flags were also awarded to communities, protected areas, schools and watersheds in recognition of activists' commitment to environmental protection and conservation. Three hundred and thirteen entities were recognized with blue flags in total.

“Since 1996, the Blue Flag Ecological Program has been a national distinction, with international significance, for these communities, beaches and institutions that excel in the common objective of living in a better Costa Rica,” said Ricardo Sancho, president of the Costa Rican Water and Sewer Institute (AyA).

“Today, I celebrate with the winners, who have accomplished their highest hopes for the environment and the protection of water resources … making Costa Rica an environmental leader, which is where we want to be.”

President Oscar Arias, who was present at the award ceremony in INBio Park on Friday morning, said, “We've done everything possible to contribute to sustainable development in Costa Rica. Each one of the millions of trees planted … each square kilometer of forest we've protected … each school that received the Ecological Blue Flag, each beach we've cleaned, each river we've rescued, each species we've defended are testimonies to a government deeply committed to environmental issues.

“Today, our country – Costa Rica – is greener than it was four years ago, and the world knows it.”