Beaches being integral to tourism, India has laboured to achieve a significant milestone by obtaining the prestigious Blue Flag certification for 12 of its pristine beaches. The Blue Flag designation is a globally-recognised eco-label awarded to beaches that meet and maintain rigorous standards for cleanliness, safety, and environmental conservation, points out Ritika Seth.
India now has 12 Blue Flag beaches, an eco-label given to the cleanest beaches in the world. In order to qualify for this prestigious award, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria must be met and maintained.
Known for its diverse landscapes and breath-taking coastlines, India has recently achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the prestigious Blue Flag certification for 12 of its pristine beaches. The Blue Flag designation is a globally-recognised eco-label awarded to beaches that meet and maintain rigorous standards for cleanliness, safety, and environmental conservation.
This accomplishment not only instils a sense of pride within local communities but also serves as a powerful magnet for tourism, bolstering India’s reputation as a steward of its natural heritage.
Blue Flag certification is a testament to a beach’s ecological health and sustainability. To qualify, beaches must meet stringent environmental criteria, including water quality standards, waste management practices, and conservation efforts to protect local flora and fauna. This designation underscores India’s commitment to preserving its coastal ecosystems.
Educating communities
In addition to the environmental criteria, Blue Flag beaches are required to offer educational programmes aimed at raising awareness about coastal conservation. These initiatives engage both residents and visitors, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment and creating a culture of environmental stewardship.
The attainment of Blue Flag status empowers local communities by involving them in the preservation and management of their coastline. This sense of ownership furthers a deeper connection between residents and their environment and increases their sense of responsibility towards the beach’s well-being.
These eco-labelled beaches serve as catalysts for economic growth, as they tend to attract a higher influx of tourists. The increase in the number of visitors leads to increased economic activity, which in turn, benefits local businesses, artisans, and service providers. Moreover, the revenue generated from tourism can be reinvested in further environmental conservation efforts.
The Blue Flag certification acts as a powerful draw for both domestic and international tourists seeking clean, safe, and environmentally-conscious beach destinations. Tourists are increasingly inclined to choose Blue Flag beaches for their vacations, thereby boosting the local tourism industry.
Achieving Blue Flag status places India in an elite group of countries renowned for their commitment to environmental conservation. This recognition not only enhances India’s global reputation but also positions it as a leader in sustainable tourism practices.
Safety and accessibility
Blue Flag beaches must also provide a safe environment for visitors, with designated swimming areas, first aid facilities, and effective waste management systems. Additionally, the beach must be easily accessible to all, including those with disabilities, to promote inclusivity.
These designated beaches not only serve as sources of local pride but also attract a growing number of tourists seeking disabled-friendly and accessible tourist spots that are clean, safe, and eco-friendly at the same time. By meeting and maintaining stringent criteria, India demonstrates its commitment to protecting its coastal ecosystems and creating a culture of environmental consciousness.
Successful Blue Flag certification for its beaches serves as a shining example of India’s environmental leadership on the global stage. It showcases the country’s commitment to sustainable practices and the preservation of its natural treasures. This achievement not only benefits the local communities but also contributes to the broader global effort to combat climate change and protect coastal ecosystems.
The status sends a powerful message to the world about the importance of responsible tourism and environmental conservation. It inspires other nations to adopt similar measures to safeguard their own coastlines, triggering a collective global effort towards a more sustainable future.
Coastal conservation
India’s success in this domain elevates the significance of coastal conservation in international discussions on environmental protection. It highlights the critical role that coastal areas play in the global ecosystem and underscores the need for collective action to preserve these vital habitats.
In the process of upholding the standards of the prestigious certification, India faces the challenge of maintaining and improving upon its environmental and safety measures. Ongoing efforts in waste management, water quality monitoring, and community engagement will be essential in sustaining the status of Blue Flag beaches.
Embracing technological advancements in waste treatment, renewable energy, and water conservation will be crucial in further enhancing the environmental sustainability of Blue Flag beaches. Implementing cutting-edge solutions can lead to more efficient and effective conservation efforts.
Continued community engagement and education programmes are vital for instilling a culture of environmental responsibility. By raising awareness about the significance of coastal conservation, local communities can play an active role in protecting and preserving their natural surroundings.
The ‘blue’ beaches
This certification is given by members of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Denmark-based NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
As of now, there are 12 such beaches in India. These include the Golden Beach in Odisha, Shivrajpur Beach in Gujarat, Kappad Beach in Kerala, Ghoghla Beach in Diu, Radhanagar Beach in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kasarkod Beach in Karnataka, Padubidri Beach in Karnataka, Rushikonda Beach in Andhra Pradesh, Kovalam Beach in Tamil Nadu, Eden Beach in Puducherry, Minicoy Thundi Beach in Lakshwadeep, and Kadmat Beach in Lakshadweep.
For permissible activities and facilities in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) of beaches and islands, the Blue Flag certification requires maintaining a minimum distance of 10 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL). Permissible activities include a solid waste management plant, portable toilets and changing rooms, solar power plant, purified drinking water facility, beach access pathways, benches, parking area, watch towers, beach safety equipment, information boards, etc.
All such activities and facilities are exempt from prior clearance under the provisions of the CRZ Notification, Island Protection Zone Notification, etc. However, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has initiated the Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS) program owing to its commitment to sustainable development along India’s coasts.
More beaches meet standards
Mangalore’s Tannirbhavi Beach is in the process of becoming the 13th Blue Flag Beach in India. The development work is being undertaken by Pune-based BVG India Ltd. The idea is that large pine and acacia trees will be a big draw for tourists.
A waste processing unit is built to handle all the waste that generates on the one km long beach. This unit will segregate the waste. Dry waste will be given to the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), while the wet waste will be processed as compost and used as manure for plants and trees.
To handle sewage, a grey water treatment plant is being constructed and changing rooms and shower facilities for men and women are being constructed. For walkers, a km-long wood polymer composed pathway is being made across the beach as well. Other features include a first-aid room, cctv control room, an office, drinking water facility, watch towers, solar plant, dustbins, etc.
There is a ripple effect that comes into play when there is a successful Blue Flag beach that extends beyond the designated site. It encourages a broader shift towards eco-conscious tourism practices, prompting travellers and tourists to seek out destinations that prioritise environmental sustainability. This growing demand for responsible tourism contributes to a positive global impact.
The success of Blue Flag beaches in India is the result of collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, non-governmental organisations, and environmental activists. Continued cooperation and coordination will be essential in maintaining the high standards set by the Blue Flag certification.