What's New

Blue Flag Certification

Why in News?
Recently, the Blue Flag certification has been accorded to two new beaches – Minicoy Thunder 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 recognized eco-label that is accorded based on 33 criteria. These criteria are divided into 4 major heads namely,
Environmental education and information
Bathing water quality
Environmental management
Conservation and safety services on the beaches
Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches in the world. It is an eco-tourism model endeavoring to provide tourists/beachgoers with 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 eco-label BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services).
Other 10 Beaches which have Received the Certification:

Shivrajpur (Gujarat)
Ghoghla (Daman & Diu)
Kasargod (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 the 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 by 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 behavior 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.