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UPSC BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION - English

BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION

Why in News?

Recently, the Blue Flag certification has been accorded to two new beaches - Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach- both in Lakshadweep.

• It is an internationally recognised eco-label that is accorded based on 33 criterias. These criterias are divided into 4 major heads namely,

• Environmental education and information

• Bathing water quality
• Environmental management
• Conservation and safety services in the beaches
• Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world. It is an eco-tourism model endeavouring to provide the tourists/beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities, a safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of the area.
• It is accorded by the international jury composed of eminent members - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Denmark-based NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
• On the lines of Blue Flag certification, India has also launched its own eco-label BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services).

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)

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