India today unfurled the 8 Blue Flags on its beaches which once again showcases a national level campaign to safeguard its coastal region. <br />''<br />''Terming it a proud moment for the country, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said the certification is a global recognition of India's conservation and sustainable development efforts.<br />''<br />''India, which has become the first country in the world to receive the Blue Flag Certification for 8 beaches in a single attempt, hosted the Blue flags in all its beaches . <br />''<br />''Mr  Javadekar lauded the outstanding efforts while virtually hoisting the flags in all eight beaches. <br />''<br />''Blue Flag certification is a globally recognised eco-label accorded by Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark based on 33 stringent criteria.<br />''<br />''AIR correspondent reports, National level campaign integrated with the BEAMS (Beach Environment and  Aesthetics Management Services) program for continuous awareness and education of people for Blue Flag  certification journey.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">BEAMS is an Integrated Coastal Zone Management initiatives undertaken for sustainable development of 13 coastal regions of the country, with a prime objective to conserve the pristine coastal and marine ecosystems .</span><br />