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.

MINISTRY? :- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

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:

India sets up an ambitious target of getting the coveted tag for 100 more beaches in next 3 years

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).

The Flags were also simultaneously hoisted on these beaches physically by state ministers and senior officials of the respective state and Union territories

International Blue Flag : 8 New Beaches | UPSC

SOURCES : BLUEFLAG

INITIATIVES

India started its journey of sustainable development of coastal regions on World Environment Day in June’ 2018.

On the same day GOI launched beach cleaning campaign – I-AM- SAVING-MY-BEACH campaign simultaneously at 13 coastal states

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.

The program has also recycled and scientifically disposed at these beaches reducing the menace of marine litter by over 78% and marine plastic by over 83%

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.

Monitor environmental conditions to reduce the impact of human activity at the beaches, marinas and boating operators

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

Informing visitors about the site they are visiting is an essential part of the Blue Flag programme

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.

Through this document, we want to share how Blue Flag engages and contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals.

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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