BEACH GAMES 2024, DIU

BEACH GAMES 2024, DIU

Subject :Geography

Section: Oceanography

Context: The Beach Games 2024, the first multi-sports beach games in India, organized at the pristine blue flag certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu concluded with landlocked Madhya Pradesh emerging overall champion, topping the medal tally with a total of 18 medals, including an impressive haul of 7 golds. This remarkable feat not only showcased the sporting prowess of Madhya Pradesh’s contingent but also highlighted the depth of talent fostered within the state

What is Blue Flag Certification?

It is an internationally recognised eco-label that is accorded based on 33 criterias. These criterias are divided into 4 major heads namely,

1. Environmental education and information
2. Bathing water quality
3. Environmental management
4. Conservation and safety services in the beaches

Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world. It is an eco-tourism model endeavouring to provide the tourists/beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities, a safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of the area.

It is accorded by the international jury composed of eminent members – United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Denmark-based NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

On the lines of Blue Flag certification, India has also launched its own eco-label BEAMS (Beach Environment & Aesthetics Management Services).

12 Beaches which have Received the Certification:

• Shivrajpur (Gujarat)
• Ghoghla (Daman & Diu)
• Kasarkod (Karnataka)
• Padubidri beach (Karnataka)
• Kappad (Kerala)
• Rushikonda (Andhra Pradesh)
• Golden beach (Odisha)
• Radhanagar beach (Andaman and Nicobar)
• Kovalam (Tamil Nadu)
• Eden (Puducherry)
• Thundi beach and Kadmat beach (Lakshadweep)