- International Coastal Clean-Up Day – 3rd Saturday of September
- A national jury, composed of environmentalists and scientists, has recommended
- India’s eight beaches for consideration by international jury
- For the coveted International eco-label, the Blue Flag certification.
- The Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world.
- The eight beaches are Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Daman & Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri beach in Karnataka, Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Golden beach of Odisha and Radhanagar beach of Andaman & Nicobar.
- Spain has the highest number of Blue Flag tagged sites.
- On the eve of International Coastal Clean-Up Day which is celebrated across 100 countries since 1986,
- India launched its own eco-label “BEAMS” (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services) under its Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) project.
- The BEAMS was launched by e-hoisting the flag, carrying a message “IAMSAVINGMYBEACH” simultaneously at eight beaches, recommended by the Indian jury for consideration for the Blue Flag.
- The objective of 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.
- The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.
- In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
- Blue Flag programme which is operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- The concept of ICZM was introduced in 1992 during the Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro and most of the coastal countries in the World have been adopting ICZM principles for managing their coastal zones.
- Thus, adoption of ICZM principles for managing and sustainably developing our coastal regions is helping India in keeping with its commitments to international agreements on ICZM.
