Context:
Recently, the Blue Flag certification has been accorded to two new beaches – Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach- both in Lakshadweep.
- This takes the number of beaches certified under the Blue Flag certification to 12.
Relevance:
GS III- Environment
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Blue flag programme
- Other 10 Beaches which have Received the Certification:
- About BEAMS
About Blue flag programme
- Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world.
- The recommendations are done by an independent National Jury composed of eminent environmentalists & scientists
- The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education).
- The main objective of the Blue Flag Programme are to improve understanding of the coastal environment and to promote the incorporation of environmental issues in the decision-making processes of local authorities and their partners.
- There are nearly 33 criteria that must be met to qualify for a Blue Flag certification, such as the water meeting certain quality standards, having waste disposal facilities, being disabled- friendly, have first aid equipment, and no access to pets in the main areas of the beach. Some criteria are voluntary and some compulsory.
- It started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since 1987, and in areas outside Europe since 2001, when South Africa joined.
- Japan and South Korea are the only countries in South and South-Eastern Asia to have Blue Flag beaches.
- Spain tops the list with 566 such beaches; Greece and France follow with 515 and 395, respectively.
Other 10 Beaches which have Received the Certification:
- Shivrajpur (Gujarat)
- Ghoghla (Daman & Diu)
- Kasarkod (Karnataka)
- Padubidri beach (Karnataka)
- Kappad (Kerala)
- Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh)
- Golden beach (Odisha)
- Radhanagar beach (Andaman and Nicobar)
- Kovalam (Tamil Nadu)
- Eden (Puducherry)
About BEAMS
- SICOM, MoEFCC in pursuit of promoting its policies for sustainable development in coastal regions have embarked upon a highly acclaimed program “BEAMS” (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services) under its ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) project.
- The objective of BEAMS program is to abate pollution in coastal waters, promote sustainable development of beach facilities, 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.
- This program promotes beach recreation in absolute harmony with nature.
-Source: Indian Express
