ROME, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A total of 368 beaches in 175 municipalities in Italy were given a "Blue Flag" for their cleanliness and safe services in 2018, the Italian branch of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) stated on Monday.

They marked an increase compared to 342 seaside places recognized for their environmental quality last year, and represented some 10 percent of all blue flag beaches in the world.

Some 70 tourist resorts were also given the prestigious environmental prize, which was launched by international no-profit group FEE, based in Denmark, in 1987.

Italy's northwest Liguria region ranked first this year with 27 beaches enlisted -- such as those along the famous Cinque Terre -- followed by central Tuscany with 19 blue flag beaches, including Forte Dei Marmi seashore.

The southern Campania region (around Naples) ranked third, reaching 18 blue flag beaches thanks to three new locations included in the list.

Southeast Apulia region and Sardinia Island saw the number of awarded sea locations increase as well, while the Lazio region (surrounding Rome), central Marche and Abruzzo, and southern Sicily lost some of their blue flags.

The new list was unveiled at an awarding ceremony held at the National Research Council (CNR) headquarters here, before a large audience of officials, environmental experts, and mayors.

Since its inception, the Blue Flag Program has been meant to boost awareness and best practices in the management of beaches, sea resorts, and marinas in at least 45 countries and regions, according to the Foundation for Environmental Education.

Juries made of international and domestic experts scrutinize and select these locations, ranking them according to how they comply with 32 criteria on coastal environment, water quality, safety and access, and further educational standards.

Then, a safe and clean sea environment would also attract more tourism, as such igniting a positive cycle between environmental protection and economic development.

In Italy, the jury made its list in cooperation with the ministries of Environment, Cultural Activities and Tourism, and Agriculture, along with the national Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Ispra) and other research centers.

"The health of the sea is closely linked to the way the land is managed," Claudio Mazza, chairman of FEE-Italy, stressed at the awarding ceremony.