Blue Flag Certification
Introduction
- The Blue Flag is an internationally recognized eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and boats for sustainable practices.
- Managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark.
- Started: France, 1985; extended globally in 2001.
- Criteria: 33 stringent parameters covering:
- Water quality.
- Environmental education.
- Safety and services.
- Environmental management.
- India’s Blue Flag certified beaches:
- Kappad (Kerala), Shivrajpur (Gujarat), Ghoghla (Diu), Kasarkod & Padubidri (Karnataka), Rushikonda (AP), Golden (Odisha), Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar), Kovalam (TN), Eden (Puducherry), Minicoy Thundi & Kadmat (Lakshadweep).
- Permitted facilities near HTL (maintaining 10m distance):
- Toilets, showers, drinking water, solar power, waste management, safety towers, benches, parking, pathways, play equipment, CCTV, first aid, entry gates, tourist centers, etc.
- Such facilities are exempt from prior CRZ clearance, facilitating eco-tourism.
