Blue Flag Certification

• 27 Oct 2022

For Prelims: UNEP, UNWTO, Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), IUCN.

For Mains: Blue Flag certification and its Significance.

Why in News?

Recently, the Blue Flag certification has been accorded to two new beaches - Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach- both in Lakshadweep.

• This takes the number of beaches certified under the Blue Flag certification to 12.

What is Blue Flag Certification?

• About:
  • It is an internationally recognised eco-label that is accorded based on 33 criterias. These criterias are divided into 4 major heads namely,
    • Environmental education and information
    • Bathing water quality
    • Environmental management
    • Conservation and safety services in the beaches
  • Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world. It is an eco-tourism model endeavouring to provide the tourists/beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities, a safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of the area.
  • 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) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
  • On the lines of Blue Flag certification, India has also launched its own eco-label BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services).
• Other 10 Beaches which have Received the Certification:
  • Shivrajpur (Gujarat)
  • Ghoghla (Daman & Diu)
  • Kasarkod (Karnataka)
  • Padubidri beach (Karnataka)
  • Kappad (Kerala)
  • Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Golden beach (Odisha)
  • Radhanagar beach (Andaman and Nicobar)
  • Kovalam (Tamil Nadu)
  • Eden (Puducherry)

What is BEAMS?

• Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services comes under ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) project.
• This was launched by the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• The objectives of BEAMS program are to:
  • Abate pollution in coastal waters,
  • Promote sustainable development of beach facilities,
  • Protect & conserve coastal ecosystems & natural resources,
  • Strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness,
  • Hygiene & safety for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment & regulations.
• It has helped in saving 1,100 ml/year of municipal water through recycling; educating around 1,25,000 beachgoers about responsible behaviour at the beaches; providing alternate livelihood opportunities to 500 fishermen families through pollution abatement, safety and services and has also increased footfall for recreation activities at the beaches by approximately 80% leading to economic development.

Source: IE