Kerala's Kappad and Chal Beaches Receive 'Blue Flag' Certification.
Awards
On January 10, 2025, Kerala's famous Kappad beach in Kozhikode and Chal beach in Kannur both received the prestigious 'Blue Flag certification' from the Denmark-based non-profit organization, Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
- The Blue Flag certification is given to beaches and marinas that meet 33 criteria, focusing on areas like environmental education, water quality, safety, services, and waste management.
- Kappad Beach has earned the Blue Flag certification for the 4th consecutive year. The beach was upgraded in 2020 with solar-powered lights, bio-toilets, and accessible pathways for people with disabilities to meet the strict requirements for certification.
- Chal Beach also received the Blue Flag certification, further boosting Kerala's reputation as a sustainable tourism destination.
Main Point :- (i) Kappad Beach holds historical significance as it is the site where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first landed in 1498.
(ii) The Blue Flag is an internationally recognized eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators meeting high environmental and safety standards. It started in Europe in 1987, and in 2024, over 5,000 sites across 51 countries received this certification.
(iii) India has become the 4th country in Asia, after South Korea, Japan, and the UAE, to have Blue Flag-certified beaches, marking a significant milestone in environmental excellence.
About Kerala:
CM : Pinarayi Vijayan
Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
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