Eight beaches of India awarded BLUE FLAG

  Eight beaches of India, spread across five states and two union territories, have been awarded the “BLUE FLAG” by an International Jury comprising of eminent members viz UNEP, UNWTO, FEE, IUCN.

The beaches that have been awarded the ‘BLUE FLAG” are:

• Japan, South Korea and UAE are the only other Asian nations who have been conferred with a couple of Blue Flag beaches, however, in a time frame of about 5 to 6 years!

• India is now in the league of 50 “BLUE FLAG” countries.

• India began its humble journey in 2018 for development of pilot beaches (one each in   coastal states/UTs) and presented the first set of 08 beaches for the certification for the ensuing tourist season 2020.

• India began its humble journey in 2018 for development of pilot beaches (one each in   coastal states/UTs) and presented the first set of 08 beaches for the certification for the ensuing tourist season 2020.

BEAMS program

• Ministry of Environment’s SICOM in its pursuit of “Sustainable Development” of the coastal regions of India embarked upon a highly acclaimed & flagship program “BEAMS” (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services) under its ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) project.

• This was aimed at striving for the coveted International eco-label “Blue flag”, accorded by The Foundation of Environment Education, FEE Denmark.

• The objective of the BEAMS program is to abate pollution in coastal waters & beaches, promote sustainable development of beach amenities/ facilities, protect & conserve coastal ecosystems & natural resources and encourage local authorities & stakeholders to strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, safety and security for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment norms & regulations. This program promotes beach tourism and recreation in absolute harmony with nature; and is unique in that sense.

International Best Practices: India has also been awarded a 3rd Prize by the International Jury under the “International Best Practices” for pollution control in coastal regions.

About Blue Flag Certification

• This Certification is accorded by an international agency “Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark” based on 33 stringent criteria in four 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. 

• The ‘Blue Flag’ beach is an Eco-tourism model endeavouring to provide to the tourists/beach goers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities/amenities, safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of the area.

(Source: PIB)

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