Kerala’s Kappad and Chal beaches, located in Kozhikode and Kannur districts, have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification.

About Blue Flag Certification

• Definition: The Blue Flag is an internationally recognized eco-label that can be awarded to beaches, marinas, or sustainable boating tourism operators as a mark of their environmental excellence.
• Certification Authority:
  • It is granted by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
  • Established in 1985, the certification promotes sustainable development at coastal sites.
• Eligibility and Criteria: The certification is awarded annually to beaches and marinas in FEE member countries.
  • To qualify, sites must meet 33 stringent criteria grouped into four major categories:
    • Environmental Education and Information
    • Bathing Water Quality
    • Environmental Management
    • Conservation and Safety Services
• International Jury: The decision to award Blue Flag status is made by an international jury, which includes representatives from:
  • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
  • United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
  • Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
• Global Reach:
  • Over 4,000 beaches worldwide hold Blue Flag certification.
  • Spain leads with 729 certified sites, followed by Greece.
• India’s Blue Flag Beaches: India has 13 Blue Flag beaches, including Kappad and Chal, showcasing its commitment to eco-friendly coastal management.
• Annual Updates: The certification is updated every year, and sites must consistently meet the criteria to retain their status.
• India has introduced its own eco-label called BEAMS , modeled on the Blue Flag certification.

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About BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetic Management Services)

• Objective
  • To develop world-class facilities at Indian beaches while ensuring environmental sustainability.
  • To promote beach cleanliness, conservation, and sustainable tourism in line with global standards.
• Launch and Implementation
  • BEAMS was launched under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
  • It aims to make beaches environmentally friendly and ensure compliance with safety standards and public amenities.
• Key Features
  • Focuses on reducing pollution, conserving coastal ecosystems, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of beaches.
  • Supports local communities by creating employment opportunities in beach management and eco-tourism.
  • Promotes the use of green technologies and renewable energy in beach infrastructure development.

Blue Flag Beaches of India