Blue Flag Programme

About Blue Flag

The Blue Flag programme is a globally recognised eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and tourism boats that meet high standards in environmental management, safety, accessibility, water quality and environmental education.

The candidate beaches applying for the Blue Flag award are evaluated based on their compliances to the 33 international criteria. The Blue Flag India National Operator, National Jury and the FEE International Jury recommends a beach for the award based on the performance and compliances. Once a beach achieves the Blue Flag award, it is valid for one year/season and has to be renewed annually based on the criteria compliances.

With over 5,000 Blue Flag sites worldwide across 51 countries, the programme emphasises sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship, aligning with the values and principles of ecotourism. The award encourages local governance bodies, including Panchayats, Municipalities, district and state administrations, to commit to sustainable coastal development. It promotes investment in eco-friendly facilities, products, and services, thereby enhancing local governance capabilities to promote responsible tourism in the region and engage with international networks.

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About FEE and CEE / SSUD-Blue Flag India National Operator

The Blue Flag is operated internationally by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE) since 1987. It is one of the world's largest environmental education organisations, with over 100 member organisations in 81 countries. With a network of over 60,000 educational institutions, the Eco-Schools, Learning About Forests and Young Reporters for the Environment programmes empower young people to create an environmentally conscious world through experiential, project-based learning. The Green Key and Blue Flag programmes are globally recognised for promoting sustainable business practices and the protection of natural resources. With over 40 years of impactful experience in ESD, FEE’s strategic plan, GAIA 20:30, prioritises impactful action across all five programmes to address the threats of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution. Please refer https://www.fee.global/ for more information about FEE.

In India, the Centre for Environment Education (CEE) is the national member for operating FEE programmes. CEE operates Blue Flag through the Society for Sustainable Urban Development (SSUD) - Blue Flag India and functions as the National Operator Body for India. Blue Flag India website: www.blueflagindia.org

Partnership with MoEFCC, Government of India

The Blue Flag Beaches in India was initiated in 2018-19 in partnership with the Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India and the respective coastal states and union territories. The MoEFCC was instrumental in supporting the State Governments in developing model Blue Flag beaches through its project on Beach Aesthetics and Management Services (BEAMS) supported by World Bank. MoEFCC continues to offer guidance and monitoring support in the Blue Flag programme across the country. New beach sites are encouraged to keep the MoEFCC informed about their Blue Flag beach development plans and seek guidance and support.

In India, there are 13 Blue Flag Awarded sites for the season 2024-2025. The award is valid for one season and has to be renewed annually.

Contact Details

Dr Shriji Kurup
National Operator, Blue Flag India
Email: [email protected]