Blue Flag Certification- Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach included in the List of Blue Beach

List of Blue Beach in India: Why important for UPSC Exam?

Blue Flag Certificate: Blue beach certificates are a recognition of cleanliness and sustainability of Beaches. List of Blue Beach in India is important for UPSC Prelims Exam (Environment) and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 3- Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation).

List of Blue Beach in India in News

• Recently, Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated, particularly the people of Lakshadweep as Minicoy, Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach make it to coveted list of Blue Beaches.
  • This takes the number of beaches certified under the Blue Flag certification to twelve (12).
• He also highlighted India’s remarkable coastline and lauded the passion among Indians to further coastal cleanliness.

List of Blue Beach in India

Key Points about Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach

• Thundi Beach: It is one of the most pristine and picturesque beaches in the Lakshadweep archipelago where white sand is lined by turquoise blue water of the lagoon.
  • It is a paradise for swimmers and tourists alike.
• Kadmat Beach: It is especially popular with cruise tourists who visit the island for water sports.
  • It is a paradise for nature lovers with its pearl white sand, blue lagoon waters, its moderate climate and friendly locals.
• Both the beaches comply with all the 33 criteria as mandated by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE).
• Both the beaches have designated staff for beach cleanliness and maintenance; and for safety and security of swimmers.

What is Blue Flag Certification?

• Background:
  • 1985: Blue flag program started in France.
  • 1987: It was presented to FEE and became the European Blue Flag.
  • 2001: South Africa became the first country outside of Europe to join the program and this led to its changed name- International Blue Flag.
• About: Blue Flag Certification is an internationally recognized eco-label awarded by a non-profit organization called the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE), Denmark.
  • The Blue Flag recognition is awarded by a jury comprising members from the IUCN, UNWTO, UNEP, and UNESCO after considering 33 parameters.
• Parameters used: The certification is based on 33 parameters which are then divided into 4 major categories. They are-

1. 1. Environmental education and information
   2. Bathing water quality
   3. Environmental management
   4. Conservation and safety services on the beaches

• Global scenario: There are more than 4000 blue flag beaches worldwide with Spain leading the number of beaches per country with this certification.
• Significance:
  • Promote clean and sustainable tourism: blue flag beaches should provide clean and hygienic bathing water, along with basic infrastructure for tourists.
  • It also advocates against inequality, disparity, unemployment, depletion of natural resources, health and environmental threats, pollution as well as general environmental degradation.

Wetlands in India- Steps Taken by Government

Wetlands in India- Steps Taken by Government

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