September 22
Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark (FEE) which accords the globally recognized eco-label – Blue Flag certification, has given re-certification to Odisha’s Golden Beach.
The Golden Beach at Puri for a length of 870m, from Digabareni square to the back of Mayfair Hotel has been taken-up as the pilot Blue Flag Beach in Odisha by the World Bank funded Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) of Forest and Environment Department, Government of Odisha.
Besides Golden Beach, it has re-certified to 7 more Indian Beaches-Shivrajpur-Gujarat, Ghoghla-Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri-Karnataka, Kappad-Kerala, Rushikonda- Andhra Pradesh and Radhanagar- Andaman and Nicobar, which were awarded the Blue Flag certificate last year.
Also, the coveted International eco-label “Blue Flag”, has accorded the Blue Flag Certification for 2 new beaches this year –Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry beaches.
It is the recognition of India’s commitment to protect and conserve the pristine coastal and marine ecosystems through holistic management of the resources.
Announcing the same in a twitter message, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav expressed happiness and congratulated everyone stating that it is another milestone in India’s journey towards a Clean and Green India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non-government, non-profit organization FEE (The Foundation for Environment Education) situated at Denmark and started certification of Blue Flag beaches since 1987. The Blue Flag Programme promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine water areas by achieving high standards in four categories, i.e. water quality, environment management, environment education and safety.
Over the years, the Blue Flag Certification has become a highly respected and recognized eco-label across the world. Thirty-three stringent criteria of FEE, Denmark are to be fulfilled to obtain and maintain Blue Flag Certification.