Current Affairs
Daily Bits

Blue Flag Certification

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    World Affairs
  • Published
    28th Oct, 2022

Context


Recently, Minicoy Thundi beach and Kadmat beach, located in Lakshadweep, have received the International eco-label ‘Blue Flag’. 

Key-points

  • Golden Beach in Puri was the first in Asia to receive a Blue Flag certificate.
  • In 2021, Kovalam beach in TamilNadu and Eden beach in Puducherry received the blue flag tag.
  • A 30-km stretch of the Marina Beach in Chennai is currently being developed for receiving Blue Flag Beach certification. 
    • The government has allocated Rs.100 crore for the implementation of this project.

About 

  • The Thundi Beach: It is one of the most pristine and picturesque beaches in the Lakshadweep archipelago.
    • The white sand beach is lined by turquoise blue water of the lagoon.
    • It is a paradise for swimmers and tourists.
  • The Kadmat Beach: Kadmat Island, also known as Cardamom Island, is located in the Amindivi group of Islands.
    • The Kadmat Beach is popular with cruise tourists who visit the island for water sports.
    • It is a paradise for nature lovers with its pearl white sand, blue lagoon waters, its moderate climate and friendly locals.
  • Both the beaches have designated staff for beach cleanliness and maintenance and for safety and security of swimmers. 
  • Both the beaches comply with all the 33 criteria as mandated by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE). 
  • With the new additions, the number of beaches certified under the Blue Flag Certification is twelve.
    • The other Indian beaches in the blue list are Shivrajpur-Gujarat, Ghoghla-Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri-Karnataka, Kappad-Kerala, Rushikonda- Andhra Pradesh, Golden-Odisha, Radhanagar- Andaman and Nicobar, Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry beaches.

About Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)

  • The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is a non-governmental organization based in Denmark. 
  • Its objective is to promote sustainable development through environmental education. 
  • It is implementing five programmes – 
    • Blue Flag
    • Eco-Schools
    • Young Reporters for Environment
    • Learning About Forests (LEAF)
    • Green Key International
  • It currently has 77 member countries.

About Blue Flag’ certification

  • The Blue Flag programme was started in France in 1985 and in areas outside of Europe in 2001. 
  • Globally recognised eco-label accorded on the basis of 33 stringent criteria in four major heads which are-
    • Environmental education and information
    • Bathing water quality
    • Environmental management
    • Conservation and safety and services in the beaches
  • It can be obtained by a beach, marina or sustainable boating tourism operator, and serves as an eco-label.
  • The certification is awarded by the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). 
    • It is awarded annually to beaches and marinas in FEE member countries.
  • It is accorded by the international jury composed of eminent members - 
    • United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP)
    • United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
    • Denmark-based NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
    • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
  • Forty-eight countries currently participate in the program, and 5042 beaches, marinas, and boats have this certification.

Verifying, please be patient.

X