The Blue Flag certification, an internationally recognized eco-label given to the cleanest beaches worldwide, has recently been awarded to two new beaches, Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach, both located in Lakshadweep. This now brings the total number of Indian beaches with this prestigious certification to 12.
Understanding the Blue Flag Certification
Globally recognized, the Blue Flag certification serves as a testament to a beach’s environmental cleanliness and sustainability, assessed based on 33 distinct criteria. These criteria fall under four major categories: Environmental Education and Information, Bathing Water Quality, Environmental Management, and Safety Services at the Beach. A beach that receives this certification not only provides the public with clean bathing water and facilities but also ensures a safe, healthy environment promoting the sustainable development of the area.
The Awarding Process
This certification is awarded by an international jury, comprising esteemed members from several organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Denmark-based NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The Other Ten Blue Flag Certified Beaches in India
Previously, ten other Indian beaches received this distinguished certification: Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Daman & Diu), Kasarkod and Padubidri beach (Karnataka), Kappad (Kerala), Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh), Golden beach (Odisha), Radhanagar beach (Andaman and Nicobar), Kovalam (Tamil Nadu), and Eden (Puducherry).
BEAMS: India’s Native Eco-Label
Alongside these international recognitions, India launched its own eco-label, Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS), which operates under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) project. This initiative was rolled out by the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
The BEAMS programme’s goals include reducing pollution in coastal waters, promoting sustainable development at beach facilities, conserving coastal ecosystems and natural resources, and upholding high cleanliness, hygiene, and safety standards for beachgoers. It also seeks to comply strongly with coastal environment and regulations.
BEAMS: Making a Difference
The BEAMS initiative has already made significant impacts. It has facilitated the recycling of 1,100 ml/year of municipal water and educated approximately 1,25,000 beachgoers about responsible behaviour on the beach. Additionally, it has provided alternative livelihood options for 500 fishermen families through pollution reduction, safety, and services. Remarkably, this initiative has also increased the number of visitors partaking in recreational activities at the beaches by around 80%, thereby contributing to economic development.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024