BLUE FLAG BEACHES

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International eco-label "Blue Flag”, has been accorded to two new Indian beaches; Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach- both in Lakshadweep, with this the number of beaches certified under the Blue Flag certification increased to 12 in India.

BLUE FLAG

It is an internationally recognized eco-label that is accorded based on 33 criteria. These criteria are divided into 4 major heads namely; Environmental education and information, Bathing water quality, Environmental management, and Conservation and safety services on the beaches.
Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches in the world.
It is accorded by the international jury composed of eminent members - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and Denmark-based NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The mission of Blue Flag is to promote sustainability in the tourism sector, through environmental education, environmental protection and other sustainable development practices.

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BEAMS program

Under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has piloted the Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Service (BEAMS) Programme.
The objective of the BEAMS program is to abate pollution in coastal waters, promote sustainable development of beach facilities, protect & conserve coastal ecosystems & natural resources, and seriously challenge local authorities & stakeholders to strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene & safety for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment & regulations.
Under this programme, various activities related to pollution abatement, beach awareness, aesthetics, safety, surveillances services and environmental education, etc., have been done at identified beaches aimed to achieve international standards for Blue Flag Beach Certification.
A total of 12 beaches situated in 6 States and 4 Union Territories have been developed at par with the best international beaches with safe and ecologically sustainable infrastructure, acceptable bathing water quality, self-sustaining energy supply and environmentally sound services/management measures.
Beaches that have been conferred with internationally recognized Blue Flag Certification are;