On the occasion of International Coastal Clean-Up Day (18th Sept, 2020), the Environment Ministry announced that for the first time, 8 beaches of India are recommended for the International eco-label, the Blue flag certification.
MoEFCC has also launched India’s own eco-label BEAMS by e-hoisting the flag -#IAMSAVINGMYBEACH simultaneously at these eight beaches.
Blue Flag programme is operated by Denmark-based non-profit organization "Foundation for Environmental Education" (FEE) which is headquarter in Copenhagen, Denmark and have the motto of "Pure water, clean coasts, safety and access for all".
Topics Covered:
1) 8 Indian Beaches recommended for Blue Flag
2) What is Blue Flag Certification?
3) How to qualify for Blue Flag?
5) Mission of Blue Flag programme
8) Member Countries of Blue Flag Programme
9) What is International Coastal Clean-Up Day?
10) Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
11) Society for Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM)
13) Activities permitted in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)
The ‘Blue Flag’ beach is an Eco-tourism model endeavoring to provide to the tourists/beach goers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities/amenities, safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of the area.
8 Indian Beaches recommended for Blue Flag
Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world.
For the first time eight beaches of India are recommended for the coveted International eco-label, the Blue flag certification.
The recommendations are done by an independent National Jury composed of eminent environmentalists & scientists.
The eight beaches are:
- Shivrajpur in Gujarat,
- Ghoghla in Daman&Diu,
- Kasarkod and Padubidri beach in Karnataka,
- Kappad in Kerala,
- Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh,
- Golden beach of Odisha and
- Radhanagar beach in Andaman and Nicobar
What is Blue Flag Certification?
Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.
How to qualify for Blue Flag?
In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
The Blue Flag certification for Beaches is awarded based on 33 stringent criteria in 4 major heads i.e.
(i) Environmental Education and Information,
(ii) Bathing Water Quality,
(iii) Environment Management and Conservation and
(iv) Safety and Services in the beaches.
Aim of Blue Flag programme
Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag programme is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment.
Mission of Blue Flag programme
The mission of Blue Flag is to promote sustainability in the tourism sector, through environmental education, environmental protection and other sustainable development practices.
1) Promote and participate in environmental education programmes for the users of beaches, marinas and boating operators.
2) Implement sound safety and environmental management systems.
3) Monitor environmental conditions to reduce the impact of human activity at the beaches, marinas and boating operators.
4) Commit to partnerships and collaborative action to promote the sustainable development of tourism
History of Blue Flag
1) The concept of Blue Flag started as French idea from Paris in 1985 and was supported by European Union since 1987.
2) In 2001, the European Blue Flag became the International Blue Flag and the first country to join FEE as a member was South Africa.
Blue Flag Structure
Member Countries of Blue Flag Programme
47 countries currently participate in the program, and 4,573 beaches, marinas, and boats have this certification.
What is International Coastal Clean-Up Day?
International Coastal Clean-Up Day is celebrated across 100 countries since 1986.
International Coastal Cleanup Day got its start in 1986 when Linda Maraniss met Kathy O’Hara while working for Ocean Conservancy.
O’Hara had just completed a report called Plastics in the Ocean: More Than a Litter Problem. The two of them reached out to other ocean-lovers and organized a Cleanup for Ocean Conservancy. The first Cleanup consisted of 2,800 volunteers. Since that time, the Cleanup has grown into an international event in more than 100 countries.
The concept of ICZM was introduced in 1992 during the Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro and most of the coastal countries in the World have been adopting ICZM principles for managing their coastal zones. Thus, adoption of ICZM principles for managing and sustainably developing our coastal regions is helping India in keeping with its commitments to international agreements on ICZM.
- Be plastic-free
- Be equipped with a waste management system.
- Have to ensure availability of clean water for tourists,
- Have amenities of international standards for tourists
- Be equipped with facilities for studying environmental impact around the beach
The objective of BEAMS program is:
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to abate pollution in coastal waters,
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promote sustainable development of beach facilities,
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protect & conserve coastal ecosystems & natural resources, and
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seriously challenge local authorities & stakeholders to strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene & safety for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment & regulations.
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This program promotes beach recreation in absolute harmony with nature.
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