Protest against Blue Flag Beaches
Why in News?
Recently Odisha government’s plan to get Blue Flag Certification for five beaches was opposed by the fishermen.
Odisha planned to develop five more beaches in three districts to meet international standards after receiving the certification for Puri’s Golden Beach in 2020.
Fishermen’s Demands:
The proposed land for the certification is used by the fishermen to anchor their boats.
They want a permanent sea mouth to anchor the fishing boats.
Protection of livelihood should be ensured and protected.
Reopening of a new fishing jetty.
Blue Flag Certification:
Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world.
The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.
Criteria for Certification:
In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
There are around 33 criteria that are to be met to qualify for a Blue Flag certification,
Such as the water meeting certain quality standards, having waste disposal facilities, being disabled- friendly, having first aid equipment, and no access to pets in the main areas of the beach.
Some criteria are voluntary and some compulsory.
Organisations:
The Blue Flag Programme for beaches and marinas is run by the international, non-governmental, non-profit organisation FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education).
FEE (the Foundation for Environmental Education) was established in France in 1985.
On the lines of Blue Flag certification, India has also launched its own eco-label BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services).
BEAMS
Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services that comes under ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management) project.
This was launched by the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) and the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
The objectives of BEAMS program is to:
1. Abate pollution in coastal waters,
2. Promote sustainable development of beach facilities,
3. Protect & conserve coastal ecosystems & natural resources,
4. Strive and maintain high standards of cleanliness,
5. Hygiene & safety for beachgoers in accordance with coastal environment & regulations.
There are eight beaches in India which have received Blue Flag Certification:
1. Shivrajpur in Gujarat,
2. Ghoghla in Daman & Diu,
3. Kasarkod in Karnataka and,
4. Padubidri beach in Karnataka,
5. Kappad in Kerala,
6. Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh,
7. Golden beach of Odisha,
8. Radhanagar beach in Andaman and Nicobar.