8 Indian beaches awarded international ‘Blue Flag’ certification,What does the eco label mean??
Eight beaches spread across five states and two union territories in India have been awarded the ‘Blue Flag’ certification, the environment ministry said on Sunday. The eight beaches that have received the international ‘Blue Flag’ certification are Shivrajpur (Dwarka-Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (AP), Golden (Puri-Odisha) and Radhanagar (A&N Islands).
The ‘Blue Flag’ certification was awarded to the eight Indian beaches by an international jury, comprising members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Blue Flag certification for eight beaches as a ‘wonderful feat’, saying it showcases the importance India attaches to protecting such spots and furthering sustainable development.
This showcases the importance India attaches to protecting such spots and furthering sustainable development. Truly a wonderful feat!
“India is also the first country in “Asia-Pacific” region which has achieved this feat in just about 2 years’ time,” Shri Javadekar further stated in another tweet.
WHAT IS BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION?
The Blue Flag certification is a globally recognised eco-label. Blue Flag is accorded by Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark.
Blue Flag certification is granted based on 33 criteria under four heads — (i) environmental education and information, (ii) bathing water quality, (iii) environment management and conservation, and (iv) safety and services at the beaches.
The Blue Flag certification is granted to beaches, marinas, or sustainable boating tourism operators that meet FEE’s set standards on the environment. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
India is the only country that has received the Blue Flag certification in 2 years’ time. Japan, South Korea and UAE are the only other Asian nations that have been conferred with a couple of Blue Flag beaches in a time frame of about 5 to 6 years, PIB reported.
With the feat, India is now in the league of 50 ‘Blue Flag’ countries. According to the government, India is planning to achieve Blue Flag certification for 100 such beaches.
