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 recognized and the coveted International eco-label "Blue Flag”, has accorded the Blue Flag Certification for 2 new beaches this year –Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry beaches, said a statement.
Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark (FEE) which accords the globally recognized eco-label - Blue Flag certification, has also given re-certification for 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 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.
Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS) launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC under Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) was focused on protection and conservation of the pristine coastal and marine ecosystems through holistic management of the resources.
This was also aimed at achieving the globally recognized and coveted International eco-label "Blue Flag”, accorded by the International Jury comprising of members from IUCN, UNWTO, UNEP, UNESCO, etc. FEE Denmark conducts regular monitoring and audits for strict compliance of 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.
