International Blue Flag : 8 New Beaches | UPSC
HEADLINES:
International Blue Flag hoisted at 8 beaches across the Country.
WHY IN NEWS:
Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Prakash Javadekar today virtually hoisted the international blue flags in 8 beaches across the country.
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3: Conservation of Flora and Fauna
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS map them out ! Compare the adjacent locations and take a note on other beaches worldwide . Follow this link – CLICK HERE
For MAINS integrate this article with SDG and make efficient notes for quick revision.
ISSUE:
BLUE FLAG AND INDIA
- India secured the International Blue Flag Certification for these beaches on 6th October 2020, when an International Jury comprising of member organizations UNEP, UNWTO, UNESCO, IUCN, ILS, FEE etc. announced the award at Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Blue Flag certification is a globally recognised eco-label accorded by “Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark” based on 33 stringent criteria.
The beaches where the International Blue Flags were hoisted are:
- Kappad (Kerala)
- Shivrajpur (Gujarat)
- Ghoghla (Diu)
- Kasarkod
- Padubidri (Karnataka)
- Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh)
- Golden (Odisha)
- Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
SOURCES : BLUEFLAG
INITIATIVES
- India started its journey of sustainable development of coastal regions on World Environment Day in June’ 2018.
- Thereafter implementing ministry’s coveted program BEAMS(Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services).
BEAMS
- Today, the introduction of BEAMS program in 10 coastal states have resulted into international level of cleanliness at beaches with over 500 tonnes of solid waste collected.
- Approximately 11000 KL of water was saved by recycling & reuse with BEAMS program, which has resulted into an increase in footfall at these beaches by over 85% cumulative.
INTERNATIONAL BLUE FLAG
- Blue Flag is a world-renowned ecolabel trusted by millions around the globe.
MISSION
- Promote and participate in environmental education programmes for the users of beaches, marinas and boating operators.
- Implement sound safety and environmental management systems.
- Commit to partnerships and collaborative action to promote the sustainable development of tourism.
EDUCATION
- Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag programme is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment.
INFORMATION
- This allows people to easily navigate the area and to learn a little more about the indigenous flora and fauna.
MONITORING
- Stringent criteria and regular spot checks help to encourage compliance of Blue Flag sites, which are also subject to comprehensive control visits.
MANAGEMENT
- Appropriate local organisations are selected to implement and enforce the necessary criteria.
- This is to ensuring a consistency of the standards which make the Blue Flag award so trustworthy and valuable.
SAFETY
- Owners/operators of Blue Flag sites must agree to ensure that safety measures are in place at all times, so that the staff, public and environment remain safe.
IASbhai WINDUP:
- Thanks to Blue Flag and its partnerships, more than 4,500 beaches, marinas and eco-tourism boats are concretely contributing to the sustainable development goals.
- Blue Flag also campaigns against disparity, inequality, unemployment, health threats, depletion of natural resources, environmental threats, pollution and general environmental degradation.
- The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.
- In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
- Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag programme is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment.
SOURCES: PIB | International Blue Flag : 8 New Beaches | UPSC
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