Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : In yet another recognition of India’s commitment to protect and conserve the pristine coastal and marine ecosystems through holistic management of the resources, the globally recognised and the coveted International eco-label “Blue Flag” has accorded the Blue Flag Certification to 2 new beaches this year –Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry.
Foundation for Environment Education (FEE) in Denmark, which accords the globally recognized eco-label – Blue Flag certification, has also given re-certification to 8 nominated beaches : Shivrajpur-Gujarat, Ghoghla-Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri-Karnataka, Kappad-Kerala, Rushikonda- Andhra Pradesh, Golden-Odisha, and Radhanagar- Andaman and Nicobar, which were awarded the Blue Flag certificate last year.
Announcing the same in a twitter message, Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav expressed happiness and congratulated everyone stating that it is another milestone in India’s journey towards a Clean and Green India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a PIB release.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in its pursuit of “Sustainable Development” of the coastal regions of India, embarked on a highly acclaimed and flagship programme Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS) which is one of the initiatives under ICZM approach that the MoEF&CC has undertaken for the sustainable development of coastal regions of India, with a prime objective to protect and conserve the pristine coastal and marine ecosystems through holistic management of the resources.
This was aimed at achieving the globally recognized and the coveted International eco-label “Blue Flag” , accorded by International Jury comprising members from IUCN, UNWTO ,UNEP, UNESCO etc. FEE Denmark conducts regular monitoring and audits for strict compliance of the 33 criteria at all times. A waving “Blue Flag” is an indication of 100% compliance to these 33 stringent criteria and sound health of the beach.
The objective of BEAMS programme is to abate pollution in coastal waters, promote sustainable development of beach facilities, protect and conserve coastal ecosystems and natural resources, and seriously challenge local authorities and stakeholders to strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and safety for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment and regulations. In the last 3 years or so, the Ministry has achieved commendable results in environmental management of these 10 beaches .
The Ministry is further committed to develop and deliver 100 more beaches under its ICZM initiative in the ensuing 5 years of Ministry’s vision agenda.
