RAS question
Blue Flag certification for beaches is awarded by:
Correct answer: (B) Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark.
Blue Flag certification for beaches is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark.
Explanation
Blue Flag is a globally recognised eco-label for beaches and marinas that meet strict standards on the environment, safety and accessibility. The PIB release confirms that, for Indian beaches selected under the programme, the certification is accorded by the international agency Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark. It also explains why this is not just a cleanliness tag: the assessment is based on 33 stringent criteria under four heads, namely environmental education and information, bathing water quality, environment management and conservation, and safety and services on beaches. That makes FEE, Denmark the awarding body, while the criteria show the wider purpose of the label: clean bathing water, basic visitor facilities, a safe and healthy beach environment, and sustainable development of the area.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) UNEP is not the awarding body here; the PIB source identifies the Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark as the agency that accords Blue Flag certification.
- (C) WHO is associated with health, but the cited PIB release links Blue Flag certification to beach environment, water quality, management, safety and services under FEE, Denmark.
- (D) UNESCO is not named as the certifying agency; the source specifically attributes Blue Flag certification to the Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark.
Concept
This tests Environment and Ecology awareness of international environmental certification systems and eco-labels. RAS repeats such questions because they connect current environmental governance with applied standards for tourism, conservation and public services.