What is in news : Kovalam beach in Tamil Nadu and Eden beach in Puducherry recieve ‘Blue Flag’ certification for 2021

Details :

• With the addition of two beaches, the total number of such beaches in India have reached to 10.
• Blue Flag recertification was also done for eight nominated beaches namely, Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Diu, Kasarkod & Padubidri in Karnataka, Kappad-Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Golden in Odisha and Radhanagar in Andaman & Nicobar. All these beaches were awarded this certificate in the year 2021.

BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION

• Is a globally recognised eco-label accorded by “Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark” based on 33 stringent criteria.
• Run by the international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation the ‘Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
• Was started in France in 1985 and has been implemented in Europe since 1987, and in areas outside Europe since 2001, when South Africa joined.
• Neat and clean beaches are an indicator that the coastal environment is in good health Is a global recognition of India’s conservation and sustainable development efforts.
• Indication of 100% compliance to these 33 stringent criteria and sound health of the beach.