What is the criteria for a Blue Flag beach?
To be granted Blue Flag status for beaches , marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators must comply with a specific set of criteria relating to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and environmental management.
What is the purpose of the Blue Flag program?
The Blue Flag program recognizes communities working hard to promote swimmable, drinkable, fishable water. A Blue Flag tells you a beach or marina is managed sustainably, is accessible, and has high-quality services and safety procedures. Blue Flag beaches also actively monitor water quality.
What is a Blue Flag certification?
The Blue Flag tag or Blue Flag certification is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels. It is awarded to beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators. The certification is awarded by the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education or FEE.
How many Indian beaches are recommended for Blue Flag certification?
After eight beaches that hold the coveted Blue Flag certification, two more Indian beaches — the Eden Beach in Puducherry and Kovalam Beach in Tamil Nadu – have been awarded the title. The certificate is given by the Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark (FEE) to eco-friendly destinations.
Who is involved in the Blue Flag program?
The Blue Flag is administered in Canada by Environmental Defence and is managed internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). More than 4,000 beaches and marinas in 45 countries fly the Blue Flag.
Which country has the most Blue Flag beaches?
Spain
According to the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) – an international voluntary programme that requires beaches to adhere to strict criteria regarding water quality, environmental management, accessibility and education – the country with the most Blue Flag beaches is Spain, with 614 as of 2021.
Why is it called Blue Flag?
The Blue Flag is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that a beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator meets its standards. The Blue Flag is a trademark owned by FEE which is a not-for-profit non-governmental organisation consisting of 65 organisations in 60 member countries.
What is a green flag beach?
Beach Warning Flags. Double red flags means water is closed to the public. Red flag is high hazard meaning high surf and/or strong currents. Yellow flag is medium hazard meaning moderate surf and/or currents. Green flag is low hazard meaning calm conditions, exercise caution.
What is a Blue Flag status?
The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
Which country has largest number of Blue Flag beaches?
As of 2016 Spain has had more blue flag beaches than any other country every year since the awards began in 1987.
What does purple flag at beach mean?
dangerous marine life spotted
Red flag is high hazard meaning high surf and/or strong currents. Yellow flag is medium hazard meaning moderate surf and/or currents. Green flag is low hazard meaning calm conditions, exercise caution. Purple flag means dangerous marine life spotted.
What do black flags mean at the beach?
Black means the conditions of the sea are extremely dangerous—do not swim or enter the water. If you’d like to avoid the possibility of an incident occurring, please, do not swim. If you’re ever unsure of the condition of a beach, go to the lifeguard stand and ask. The sea and the weather are unpredictable.
What does one star on a Blue Flag mean?
The symbolism of the Lone Star is independence and was used often during the 19th Century in the southern United States. Its blue field represented truth upon which was placed a single white star, representing purity.
What is red flag at beach?
These flags will fly from lifeguard stands to alert of any potential dangers. As indicated, a double red flag means the water is closed to the public; no swimming is allowed. A single red flag indicates hazardous conditions, such as strong waves or currents.
Which country has highest number of Blue Flag beaches?
Which country has highest Blue Flag?
Which country topped the Blue Flag certification?
India secured the International Blue Flag Certification for a number of beaches on October 6, 2020, when an International Jury comprising of member organizations UNEP, UNWTO, UNESCO, IUCN, ILS, FEE, etc. announced the award at Copenhagen, Denmark.
What are the Blue Flag beach criteria?
The Blue Flag Beach Criteria are summarised below but if you wish to see the full criteria please click here. Information about the Blue Flag Programme must be displayed. Environmental education activities must be offered and promoted to beach users. Information about bathing water quality must be displayed.
Is the beach fully compliant with the Blue Flag Programme?
The beach must fully comply with the water quality sampling and frequency requirements of the Blue Flag programme. The beach must fully comply with the standards and requirements for water quality analysis.
How do you qualify for the Blue Flag Programme?
In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. Central to the ideals of the Blue Flag programme is the aim of connecting the public with their surroundings and encouraging them to learn more about their environment.
Are Blue Flag beaches accessible to the physically disabled?
At least one Blue Flag beach in each municipality must have access and facilities provided for the physically disabled.