EIGHT INDIAN BEACHES RECOMMENDED FOR COVETED BLUE FLAG INTERNATIONAL ECO-LABEL

EIGHT INDIAN BEACHES RECOMMENDED FOR COVETED BLUE FLAG INTERNATIONAL ECO-LABEL

Context

Eight beaches of India are recommended for the coveted International eco-label, the Blue flag certification.

Details

• The eight beaches are Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Daman&Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri beach in Karnataka, Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Golden beach of Odisha and Radhanagar beach in Andaman and Nicobar.
• It is celebrated on the eve of International Coastal Clean-Up Day.
• Also, India launched its  own eco-label ‘Beach Environment and Aesthetics Management Services’ (BEAMS) under its Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) project.
• The objective of BEAMS program is to reduce pollution in coastal waters, to promote sustainable development of beach facilities, to protect & conserve coastal ecosystems & natural resources, and seriously challenge local authorities & stakeholders to strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene & safety for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment & regulations.

About Blue Flag certification

• It is a certification which can be obtained by a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator to serve as an eco-label.
• It is awarded by the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), on stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria that applicants must meet and maintain.
• It is awarded annually to beaches and marinas in FEE member countries.