What is Blue Flag Certification?

Five beaches in Maharashtra have recently been awarded the international Blue Flag certification.
Certified Beaches: Shrivardhan and Nagaon (Raigad), Parnaka (Palghar), and Guhagar and Ladghar (Ratnagiri) have received the certification.

About Blue Flag Certification

The Blue Flag programme is a globally recognised eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and tourism boats that meet high standards in environmental management, safety, accessibility, water quality and environmental education.
The Blue Flag certification is awarded by Denmark’s Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches that meet 33 criteria related to cleanliness, beauty, and environmental sustainability.
The programme was initiated in France in 1985, focusing initially on European beaches.
It expanded globally in 2001, becoming one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco-awards.
Once a beach achieves the Blue Flag award, it is valid for one year/season and has to be renewed annually based on the criteria compliance.
The selection is made by an international jury representing UNEP, United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), FEE, and IUCN.

Chandrabhaga beach on the Konark coast of Odisha is not only India’s but also Asia’s first beach to get the Blue Flag certification.
India launched its own eco-label, Beach Environment and Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS), in 2018 under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).