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.

Blue Flag Beaches of India

• Shivrajpur (Gujarat)
• Golden Beach (Odisha)
• Ghoghla (Diu)
• Kasarkod and Padubidri (Karnataka)
• Kappad and Chal (Kerala)
• Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh)
• Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
• Kovalam (Tamil Nadu)
• Eden Beach (Puducherry)
• Minicoy Thundi and Kadmat (Lakshadweep).