Published on: October 28, 2022

‘Blue Flag’ tag

‘Blue Flag’ tag

Why in news?

Two more Indian beaches  Minicoy Thundi beach and Kadmat beach, both in Lakshadweep  have been accorded the coveted International eco-label ‘Blue Flag’, taking India’s tally to 12 in the list of the world’s cleanest and most eco-friendly “beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators”

Highlights

  • Both the beaches comply with all the 33 criteria as mandated by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE).
  • The other Indian beaches in the blue list are Shivrajpur-Gujarat, Ghoghla-Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri-Karnataka, Kappad-Kerala, Rushikonda- Andhra Pradesh, Golden-Odisha, Radhanagar- Andaman and Nicobar, Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry
  • The Chandrabhaga beach on the Konark coast of Odisha has become Asia’s first beach to get the Blue Flag certification

The Thundi Beach

  • It is one of the most pristine and picturesque beaches in the Lakshadweep archipelago where white sand is lined by the turquoise blue water of the lagoon

Kadmat beach

  • It is situated at a distance of Cochin and boasts of a huge lagoon, long sandy stretches and huge coral growth, among other attractions.
  • The Kadmat Beach is especially popular with cruise tourists who visit the island for water sports.

What is Blue flag certification?

  • It is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator meets its standards.
  • The Blue Flag is a trademark owned by FEE, which is a not-for-profit non-governmental organisation consisting of 65 organisations in 60 member countries.
  • Criteria include standards for quality, safety, environmental education and information, the provision of services and general environmental management criteria.