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Business Standard
7 days ago
- Business Standard
Andamans to expand Blue Flag beaches to boost eco-tourism: Chief secy
To boost beach tourism, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration is planning to expand Blue Flag certifications beyond the already accredited Radhanagar Beach at Swaraj Dweep, popularly known as Havelock, a top official said. Talking to PTI, Chief Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar said, "Five additional beaches have recently been evaluated, aiming to draw more environmentally conscious visitors. We hope to get five more Blue Flag-certified beaches in the islands." Blue Flag is an international eco-label awarded to beaches that meet high criteria for safety, cleanliness, environmental sustainability, and accessibility. In India, there are 12 such beaches, and the recognition is given by a Denmark-based non-profit organisation known as the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Kumar added, "We are getting a good tourist footfall. Infrastructure upgrades are also progressing, with a new modern 500-passenger terminal jetty at Swaraj Dweep nearing completion." "With a strong foundation already laid and ambitious plans in motion, the archipelago is fast emerging as one of India's most promising and diversified tourist destinations," he said. The administration is placing increased emphasis on cultural tourism, he said, adding, "Signature events like the Island Tourism Festival in December continue to attract visitors, while new additions such as the Coconut Festival and a Book Fair organised in collaboration with the National Book Trust are broadening the region's cultural appeal." "We want tourists to experience not just our scenic beauty and history, but also our rich cuisine, traditions and cultural diversity," the Chief Secretary added. On the new airport at Diglipur in North Andaman, Kumar said, "We aim to operate it for tourists by the next season. This enhanced connectivity will also help open access to Great Nicobar, the southernmost part of the territory in the future." In terms of sustainability, the administration is pushing for cleanliness and environmental stewardship. "Under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, solid waste collection is being managed in collaboration with local panchayats. A complete ban on small plastic bottles (below 2 litres) has also been implemented. A massive marine clean-up drive, led by the forest department, has already collected over 50,000 kg of marine plastic waste," he said. On the energy front, the administration is shifting toward clean power solutions. "A 50 MW LNG plant is currently under development, led by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). A grid-based energy link between South and North Andaman is also in the pipeline, being executed in collaboration with the Power Grid Corporation. The project is expected to be completed within two years," he said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Time of India
Marina Blue Flag Beach spruced up ahead of launch
Chennai: Recliners, shaded seating, walking paths, and eco-friendly bathing and toilet facilities are among the new features being readied along a 50-acre stretch of Marina Beach under the Blue Flag initiative. The revamped zone, expected to be launched next week, includes bamboo-and-thatch entry arches, cement pathways, wooden benches, and watchtowers aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. An open gym, children's play area, and bathing zone are being set up near the revamped swimming pool, while bamboo recliners and benches made from natural wood are being installed at intervals along the walking paths. Trials are also under way for high density polyurethane (HDP) platforms to improve accessibility for wheelchair users across the sandy terrain. Environment secretary Supriya Sahu inspected the ongoing works earlier this week, while Deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is likely to formally inaugurate the beach zone soon. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai Though the upgrades are being welcomed by tourists, some vendors working along the beach have raised concerns about the durability of the newly installed structures. "These designs may work in Goa, but Marina faces stronger winds and higher tides. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Don't Pay Full Price for 2025's Top Games! Shop Now Undo The materials used don't look like they'll hold up long," said a vendor. While the zone is under CCTV surveillance and is being fast-tracked to meet the 33-point criteria for Blue Flag certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education, Denmark, concerns about long-term maintenance and security remain. Kovalam, near Chennai, is currently the only beach in Tamil Nadu with a Blue Flag certification. It received the tag in 2020 for meeting international standards. Despite its Blue Flag status, Kovalam Beach's certification covers just a 400-metre stretch, while the remaining 3km of shoreline has plastic pollution, sewage, dead turtles, and stray dogs.
Ya Biladi
12-06-2025
- Ya Biladi
Morocco leads Arab World with 33 Blue Flag certified beaches and marinas in 2025
The international Blue Flag label, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and represented in Morocco since 2002 by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, will fly over 28 beaches, one mountain lake, and four marinas in 2025. With 33 certified sites, Morocco ranks 21st globally out of 50 countries, making it the leading Arab nation and second in Africa for the number of Blue Flag-certified locations, according to a statement from the Foundation. All 27 beaches certified in 2024 have successfully renewed their Blue Flag status, reflecting the ongoing commitment of local authorities. Sol Beach, located in the Tangier-Assilah province, has been newly certified, bringing Morocco's total to 28 certified beaches for 2025. These include popular spots such as Oued Laou, Essaouira, Arekmane, El Haouzia, Sidi Rahal (4th phase), Bouznika, Ba Kacem, Mdiq, Rifienne, Sidi Ifni, Saïdia Municipal and West Tourist Station, Dalia, Achakar, Sol, Bedouza, Safi Municipal, Souiria Lakdima, Aglou, Imin Tourgha, Oum Labouir, Foum el Oued, Skhirate, Sidi Abed, Les Nations, Aïn Diab extension, Al Minaa, and East Marina Smir. In addition to the beaches, the mountain lake Aguelmam Azigza in Khenifra National Park has renewed its Blue Flag certification. Nestled between a majestic cliff and an ancient cedar forest, this gem of the Middle Atlas is Morocco's first natural lake to receive this recognition. Its development—supported by the Foundation and local authorities—includes improved hospitality, road access, sanitary facilities, camping areas, and reception services. On the marina side, Tanja Marina Bay has become the fourth port site to earn the Blue Flag, joining Saïdia (2018), East Marina Smir (2022), and Al Hoceïma (2023). Opened in 2018 as part of Tangier port's redevelopment, it is now Morocco's largest marina, offering 1,400 berths. All Blue Flag-certified beaches participate in the Clean Beaches program, which involves 68 local authorities each summer, supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities, 25 economic partners, and over 100 local associations working together. For the 2025 edition, 45 beaches submitted applications, highlighting the growing enthusiasm among coastal municipalities for this label, which is recognized for promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing local territories.
Morocco World
12-06-2025
- Morocco World
Morocco Secures 33 Blue Flag Sites, Leads Arab World in Environmental Label
Doha – The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) has awarded Blue Flag certification to 33 Moroccan sites during the 2025 summer season, according to a statement from the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection (FM6E). The sites include 28 beaches, four marinas, and one mountain lake. The certification, which evaluates environmental management standards at bathing areas, places Morocco 21st globally among 50 participating countries. According to the foundation's data, this positioning makes Morocco the leading Arab country and second in Africa for Blue Flag certifications. All 27 beaches certified in 2024 have maintained their status for 2025, with Sol beach in Tanger-Assilah province joining the list as a new addition. The foundation attributes this consistency to the ongoing collaboration between local authorities, economic partners, and community organizations. Aguelmam Azigza mountain lake in Khénifra National Park has renewed its certification. Located between a majestic cliff and a forest of century-old cedars, this Middle Atlas jewel has undergone development. Improvements include road access, sanitary facilities, camping areas, and reception services, making it the first natural lake in Morocco to receive this recognition. Tanja Marina Bay has become the fourth Moroccan marina to receive Blue Flag status, following Saïdia (2018), Est Marina Smir (2022), and Al Hoceima (2023). With 1,400 berths, it has reportedly been the largest marina in the country since its 2018 opening as part of the Tangier port redevelopment. The Blue Flag label is based on four fundamental criteria: bathing water quality, environmental information and awareness, hygiene and safety, and sustainable development and management. Surprise inspections are conducted throughout the summer to verify compliance with these standards. All Blue Flag-labeled beaches are integrated into the 'Clean Beaches' program, which mobilizes 68 local authorities (supported by the General Directorate of Local Authorities), 25 economic partners, and over 100 local associations each summer. The program collaborates with several institutional partners, including the National Laboratory for Pollution Studies and Monitoring, the General Directorate of Civil Protection, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Ports and Maritime Public Domain Directorate. This coordinated network works for nearly three months during the summer period to improve beach facilities, monitor sand and bathing water quality, ensure safety and health services, and raise awareness among vacationers about environmental issues. For the 2025 cycle, the foundation received 45 beach applications, suggesting increased interest in the certification process among coastal municipalities. Created in 1987 by the FEE, the Blue Flag has become the most prestigious environmental label worldwide. In 2025, 5,195 sites across the globe are part of the Blue Flag global network, with 95% (4,928 sites) located in the northern hemisphere. Read also: 93% of Moroccan Beach Waters Meet Quality Standards
The Hindu
07-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Puducherry: Eden Beach at Chinna Veerampattinam faces coastal erosion again
Eden Beach, one of the few Blue Flag-certified beaches in the country, located at Chinna Veerampattinam, is once again facing the problem of coastal erosion after the sea began inching closer to the shore in the first week of April. The impact of the erosion this time was so high that the basement of a concrete structure constructed at the beach to hoist the Blue Flag, following the certification by Denmark-based non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), caved in, leading to the removal of the flag itself. The FEE accords the status to beaches across the world based on certain parameters, including eco-friendliness and safety. 'The sea water began entering the beach in the first week of April, and as days passed, the intensity of water entering the coast increased rapidly, leading to the collapse of the basement of the concrete structure. A similar situation occurred in 2022 too, but its intensity was not as high,' said a resident of Chinna Veerampattinam. Seasonal reversal of littoral currents According to former director of National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) M.V. Ramana Murthy, the erosion in the area was due to seasonal changes in littoral current. Whenever there is a seasonal change, localised erosion would occur at Eden Beach. 'The observed erosion at Eden Beach is due to seasonal reversal of littoral currents in the month of April, which is localised, and it has happened earlier too. It is always recommended to keep away facilities from the zone of seasonal changes, and the same has been intimated to the Puducherry government in previous instances,' he added. The erosion at Eden Beach has found a reference in a report titled 'Management of Coastal Erosion along the Union Territory of Puducherry: Shoreline Management Plan', prepared jointly by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and NCCR, last year. The shoreline change analysis, carried out using satellite data from 1990 to 2022, has indicated the beach to be in 'a low erosion to stable transmission region.' A small erosion was also reported in 2017, the report said. 'A proper understanding of the coast and its influencing factors is necessary before developing coastal infrastructure. Generally, the construction of coastal infrastructure for tourism and other activities is to be avoided in erosion stretches,' the report said. However, the report noted that if development has to be carried out in that specific location, a proper estimation of the long and short-term erosion rate has to be understood. And based on the erosion rate, effective coastal protection measures could be provided, it said. Mitigation measures Minister for Public Works and Tourism K. Lakshminarayanan told The Hindu that the government was aware of the situation at Eden Beach, and mitigation measures are being worked out. 'We will immediately take up measures after taking into consideration coastal regulation rules. The mitigation measures are also being taken up in other hamlets where costal erosion was reported,' he said.
