Indian Beaches for Blue Flag certification recommended

Indian Beaches for Blue Flag certification recommended

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment; Climate change; Pollution

In news

• For the first time eight beaches of India are recommended for the coveted International eco-label, the Blue flag certification.
• Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). 

Key takeaways

• The recommendations are done by an independent National Jury composed of eminent environmentalists & scientists.
• The eight beaches are: (1) Shivrajpur (Gujarat); (2) Ghoghla (Daman & Diu); (3) Kasarkod and (4) Padubidri (Karnataka); (5) Kappad (Kerala); (6) Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh); (7) Golden beach (Odisha); (8) Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar).

Important value additions

Blue Flag certification

• The ‘Blue Flag’ is a certification that can be obtained by a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator.
• It serves as an eco-label. 
• The certification is known as an indication of high environmental and quality standards.
• Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world.
• The certification is awarded by the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) with 33 stringent criteria under four major heads for the beaches: (i) Environmental Education and Information (ii) Bathing Water Quality (iii) Environment Management and Conservation and (iv) Safety and Services.
• The Blue Flag Programme started in France in 1985 and in areas outside Europe since 2001.