Blue Flag Certification

There are a lot of forms of sustainability measures being practiced. They help us to reduce the negative ecological impacts and minimise the harm to the environment. One such technique adopted in 1978 was the issuing of "Ecolabels". These "Ecolabels" are intended to make it easy to take the environmental concerns. These Ecolabels are issued after a verification process which is commonly called 'Certification'. There are two types of Eco labels: "Voluntary" and "Mandatory". In this article we are also going to discuss about one such "Voluntary Ecolabel" that is: "Blue Flag Certification".

The "Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)", a Denmark based non-profitable organisation, took the initiative to implement this "Blue Flag Certification" programme. It was implementrd for the first time in France in in the year 1975. The FEE started this programme to protect the beaches, tourism points and marine system of 'European' countries. Initially, it was called "European Blue Flag" but later when South Africa became first country out of Europe to join this programme in 2001, the name changed to: "International Blue Flag".

The "Blue Flag Certification", also known as "Blue Flag Tag", which us a Ecolabel awarded by jury comprising members from institution including: 'IUCN', 'UNWTO', 'UNEP' & 'UNESCO' after verifying and considering 33 parameters. The 'Blue Flag' trademark would mean that awarded beaches are one of the best beaches of world in terms of safety, accessibility, cleanliness and of course sustainability. The Central Ideals of Blue Flag initiative was the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encourage them to develop your consciousness among themselves towards sustainability and biodiversity. The hoisting of this Flag indicates that all the 33 criterias are fulfilled and the beach promote sustainability. The waving of the Blue Flag also ensures that the basic infrastructure and proper management services are accomplished by the beach.

Spain has been the leading nation in the number of beaches per country with this Blue Flag Tag. India has also expanded the network and currently consists of a total of 10 beaches with the certification. So, each Nation focus to improve marine conditions and raise the standard of their Eco-tourism.