Team Herald
PANJIM: The State government has identified Velsao-Pale beach stretch for ‘Blue Flag’ Certification, following the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) asking the State to nominate a beach for clean-up and developmental activities.
Under the Blue Flag certification program, Foundation of Environment Education (FEE), an international non-profit organisation will grant certification to beaches and marinas that meet over 30 criteria related to water quality, safety, environmental education and information, provision of services and general environmental management criteria.
In a written communiqué to Arvind Nautiyal, Director (CRZ), MoEF&CC, the State Department of Science, Technology & Environment said, “We have identified Velsao-Pale beach stretch in South Goa for development Blue Flag Certification, same may be considered for further needful action.” The letter is signed by Director (Env) & ex-officio Joint Secretary Parag Nagarcenkar.
Blue Flag certification is sought for beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators as an indication of their high environmental and quality standards.
In a recent meeting on beach cleaning, development and beautification activities for pilot beaches in coastal states, the Union ministry had asked Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and others to nominate a beach each.
Initially work on 13 nominated beaches will be undertaken on a pilot mode through funds allocated to National Project Management Unit for beach cleaning and development activity under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP).
