Blue Flag Certification

Why in news?

• The globally recognized and the coveted International eco-label "Blue Flag”, 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 twelve (12).

About Blue Flag Certification:

• Blue Flag certification is a tag given to environment-friendly and clean beaches, equipped with amenities of international standards for tourists.
• It is awarded by the Copenhagen-based Foundation for environmental education (FEE). The standards were established in 1985.

How does a beach get the certification?

• 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 etc.
• Some criteria are voluntary and some compulsory.
• If approved, beaches are given the qualification for a year and must apply annually to continue meriting the right to fly the flag at their locations.
• In India, the Blue Flag program is implemented by the Society for Sustainable Urban Development, as the National Operator.

Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management System (BEAMS):

• It is an integrated coastal management scheme conceived  to plan sustainable tourism and healthy coastal management by MoEF&CC
• BEAMS will aim to reduce existing pollutants on beaches and to aspire & achieve high International Standards in India.
• The implementation of BEAMS will help beaches in India to gain blue flag certification.
• This is launched by the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM).

PRACTICE QUESTION:

The term "Blue flag certification" has been in news recently. What is it?

(a)It is provided by MoEFCC to the infrastructure projects that implement rainwater harvesting features in the projects to conserve water.

(b)It is awarded by NITI aayog to states who have been able to take measures for sustainable fishing and promoting aquaculture on large scale.

(c)It is awarded by Foundation for environmental education (FEE) to beaches for measures towards water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. 

(d) None of the above

Answer