Blue Flag Beaches Flashcards
Why in News?
2 new Blue Flag beaches added increasing the blue flag beaches number in India to 12.
Both the beaches are in Lakshadweep Islands.
What are Blue Flag beaches
The Blue Flag is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator meets its standards. The Blue Flag is a trademark owned by FEE, which is a not-for-profit non-governmental organisation consisting of 65 organisations in 60 member countries.
FEE’s Blue Flag criteria include standards for quality, safety, environmental education and information, the provision of services and general environmental management criteria. The Blue Flag is sought for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators as an indication of their high environmental and quality standards.
Certificates, which FEE refers to as awards, are issued on an annual basis to beaches and marinas of FEE member countries. The awards are announced yearly on 5 June for Europe, Canada, Morocco, Tunisia, and other countries in a similar geographic location, and on 1 November for the Caribbean, New Zealand, South Africa, and other countries in the southern hemisphere.
In the European Union, the water quality standards are incorporated in the EC Water Framework Directive.
As of 2016 Spain has had more blue flag beaches than any other country every year since the awards began in 1987.
History
The Blue Flag was created in France in 1985, as a pilot scheme from the Office of the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (Office français de la Fondation pour l’Education à l’Environnement en Europe) where French coastal municipalities were awarded the Blue Flag on the basis of criteria covering sewage treatment and bathing water quality. 11 French municipalities got the award in 1985.
Vallabhbhai Patel’s contribution to Indian history. To commemorate his 144th birth anniversary, thousands of people participated in the run which began from the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi. The almost one-mile run took place at the India Gate C-Hexagon-Shah Jahan Road. Today, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is remembered as the unsung efforts of the ‘Iron Man’, who shaped the country and the idea of Hindus and Muslims residing in the same country together
Blue Flag on European Community level in 1987
1987 was the “European Year of the Environment” and the European Commission was responsible for developing the European Community activities of that year. The Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (FEEE) presented the concept of the Blue Flag to the commission, and it was agreed to launch the Blue Flag Programme as one of several “European Year of the Environment” activities in the Community.
The French concept of the Blue Flag was developed on European level to include other areas of environmental management, such as waste management and coastal planning and protection. Besides beaches marinas also became eligible for the Blue Flag.
In 1987, 244 beaches and 208 marinas from 10 countries were awarded the Blue Flag.
Blue Flag beach criteria
- Environmental education and information
- Water quality
- Environmental management
- Safety and services
Blue Flag marina criteria
- Environmental education and information
- Environmental management
- Safety and service
- Water quality
Blue Flag sustainable boating tourism operator criteria
- Environmental education and information
- Environmental management
- Safety and services
- Social responsibility
- Responsible tourism
- Additional criteria for specific wildlife-based activities
How many Blue Flag beaches are there in the UK?
In 2022, the prestigious Blue Flag was awarded to 80 beaches in England and 22 beaches in Wales!
International Coastal Clean Up day 2022
17 september
Name of India’s own eco-label
BEAMS - Beach environment and aesthetics management services.
Headquarters of giving certificates
DENMARK by FEE.
Lakshadweep’s Minicoy Thundi and Kadmat beaches get ‘Blue Flag’ eco-label
The globally recognised and coveted international eco-label ‘Blue Flag’ has been accorded to two new Indian beaches - Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach, both in Lakshadweep. This takes the number of beaches certified under the Blue Flag certification in the country to 12.
The Thundi Beach is one of the most pristine and picturesque beaches in the Lakshadweep archipelago where white sand is lined by turquoise blue water of the lagoon. It is a paradise for swimmers and tourists alike.
The Kadmat Beach is especially popular with cruise tourists who visit the island for water sports. It is a paradise for nature lovers with its pearl white sand, blue lagoon waters, its moderate climate and friendly locals.
Both the beaches have designated staff for beach cleanliness and maintenance; and for safety and security of swimmers. Both the beaches comply with all the 33 criteria as mandated by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the people, particularly of Lakshadweep as Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach made it to the coveted list, an eco-label given to the cleanest beaches in the world.
First blue flag beach of ASIA
CHANDRABHAGA BEACH, ODISHA.
