8 Indian Beaches Awarded- Blue Flag Certification

Eight Indian beaches now hold the coveted ‘Blue Flag’ certification given by an eminent international jury. It comprises members of the UN Environment Programme, UN World Tourism Organization, Foundation for Environmental Education, and IUCN. In just a record time of 2 years, India became the first country in the Asian-Pacific region to achieve this feat. Whereas, Japan, South Korea, and UAE are the only other Asian Nations conferred with the Blue Flag certification. Moreover, took a time frame of about 5 to 6 years.

The eight Indian beaches with blue flag certifications are Kappad (Kerala), Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod.Also, Padubidri (Karnataka), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden (Odisha), and Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).

What is Blue Flag?

The Blue Flag is the world’s one of the most coveted voluntary awards given to the beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. Annually the Denmark-based Non-Profit organization- Foundation gives this award. Also given to its member countries for Environment Education. Basically, the main agenda of FEE is to promote sustainable development through environmental education.

The Blue Flag Programme started in 1985 in France. Firstly, to promote sustainable development in freshwater and marinas. Mainly through four main criteria:

• water quality
• environmental management
• environmental education
• safety

At present there are 47 member countries and total 4,671 Beaches, Marinas & Boating tourism operator holds Blue Flag Certification.

Moreover, India aims to have 100 more such beaches with Blue Flag certification in the coming years. In order to achieve this milestone, India started a flagship Programme “BEAMS” (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services) under its ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) project.

The objective of the BEAMS program :

• To abate pollution in coastal waters & beaches.
• Promote sustainable development of beach amenities/ facilities.
• Protect & conserve coastal ecosystems & natural resources.
• Encourage local authorities & stakeholders to strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, safety.
• Security for beachgoers in accordance with the coastal environment norms & regulations.
• Promotes beach tourism and recreation in absolute harmony with nature.

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