All 8 beaches recommended by government gets International Blue Flag Certification
New Delhi: For the first time ever, India joins the list of 50 “Blue Flag” countries after eight Indian beaches spread across five states and two union territories, were awarded the “Blue Flag” today. The award, accorded by The Foundation of Environment Education, FEE Denmark, was declared by an International Jury comprising among others, The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Also read: For the first time eight Indian beaches recommended for Blue flag certification
India is also the first country in Asia-Pacific region which has achieved this feat in just about 2 years’ time. 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!
The beaches that have been awarded the “Blue Flag” are Shivrajpur (Dwarka-Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (AP), Golden (Puri-Odisha) and Radhanagar (A&N Islands).
India has also been awarded a 3rd Prize by the International Jury under the “International Best Practices” for pollution control in coastal regions.
“It is an outstanding feat considering that no ‘BLUE FLAG’ nation has ever been awarded for 8 beaches in a single attempt,” Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar said in a tweet message adding “this is also a global recognition of India’s conservation and sustainable development efforts”.
For sustainable Development of the coastal regions under the flagship program “BEAMS” (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services) under ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) project, India began development of pilot beaches (one each in coastal states/UTs) in 2018. This was aimed at striving for the international eco-label “Blue flag”. India thereafter presented the first set of 08 beaches for the certification for the ensuing tourist season 2020.
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. India now plans to have 100 such beaches in the country in the next five years.
– globalbihari bureau
