Blue Flag Certification: Blue Flag Beaches in India, Significance
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
Blue Flag Certification is an internationally recognized eco-label granted to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boat tourism operators depending upon the important 33 requirements. The term was awarded by an international, non-governmental, non-profit organization, FEE (Foundation for Environment Education).
In India, there are 12 Blue Flag Beaches certified under the Blue Flag certification. Read the full article to understand the importance of Blue Flag Certification and the details about the Blue Flag Programme.
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Blue Flag Certification
Blue Flag Certification or a blue flag tag is a recognized certification for beaches and boat tour operators depending on the crucial criteria. The term was initiated by FEE (Foundation for Environment Education), a non-profit organization.
The eligibility criteria required for the beaches to come under the Blue Flag category include strict environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility measures that must be met and maintained.
Significance of the Blue Flag Beach Program
The Blue Flag Beach program was granted by a non-profit organization, FEE (Foundation for Environment Education). This flag is an internationally recognized eco-label awarded to those beaches that fulfill rigid 33 requirements related to the environment, education, accessibility, and safety. They are regarded as the cleanest beaches.
Blue Flag Certification UPSC Notes
The significance of the blue flag is that it tells us about a beach or marina which is managed sustainably, is more accessible, and follows high-quality standards and safety measures. Blue flag beaches are responsible for monitoring the quality of water.
List Of Blue Flag Beaches in India
Blue flag beaches are supposed to be the cleanest beaches in the world. The eco-tourism model was started to improve water quality, offering hygienic bathing water and facilities to tourists or beachgoers.
Blue flag beaches in India are awarded by the international jury consisting of members of the 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).
Mentioned below are the 12 Blue Flag Beaches in India which have received the blue flag certification:
- Kovalam Beach, Tamil Nadu
- Kappad in Kerala
- Kasarkod beach in Karnataka
- Padubidri beach in Karnataka
- The golden beach of Odisha
- Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh
- Ghoghla in Daman & Diu
- Eden Beach, Puducherry
- Radhanagar beach in Andaman and Nicobar
- Shivrajpur in Gujarat
- Minicoy Thundi Beach in Lakshadweep.
- Kadmat Beach in Lakshadweep.
BEAMS Services – India’s Blue Flag Certification
Neat beaches are an indicator that the seaside area is in good condition and the Blue Flag certification is a measure that depicts the efforts of India to conserve and sustain its water resources.
BEAMS stands for Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services, initiated under the “Integrated Coastal Zone Management” project or ICZM. Considering Blue Flag certification, India has also founded its eco-label, BEAMS.
The blue flag beach program has motivated India to develop its BEAM services, started by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM).
The objectives of the BEAMS program are to:
- Reduced pollution in coastal waters
- Facilitate sustainable development of beach water facilities
- Shield & conserve coastal ecosystems & natural resources
- Attempt to maintain high benchmarks of cleanliness
- Offer hygienic & safe water to beachgoers.
Results of BEAMS Services
The mission of the Blue Flag Beach Program was to participate in environmental education programs for the beaches and boating operators, execute efficient safety management systems, encourage sustainable tourism development, monitor human activity at the beaches, and diminish water pollution caused by them.
Blue flag certification was able to achieve the following results:
- The program recycled 1,100 ml/year of municipal water.
- Educated around 1,25,000 beachgoers as to how to behave at the beaches.
- It reduced overall pollution, offering alternative livelihood opportunities to 500 anglers.
- Lead to 80% economic development by increasing recreational activities like beach football.
Blue Flag Certification UPSC
Blue Flag Program or Blue Flag Certification is an important topic for the upcoming IAS Exam. Candidates can check the detailed UPSC Syllabus to identify all the related topics. It is recommended that aspirants choose the right books to comprehensively cover the syllabus.
After completing the topic, download the UPSC Previous Year Question Papers to revise the practice for the upcoming exam.
Blue Flag Beaches UPSC Question
Question: Consider the following statements
1. The Blue Flag is sought for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators as an indication of their high environmental and quality standards.
2. The Blue Flag is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- None of the above
