Three Beaches in Kouga awarded Blue Flag status

Some three beaches in the Kouga region have been awarded world-class status and the right to wave their Blue Flag Status.

Dolphin Beach in Jeffreys Bay once again got the nod from the adjudicators to fly the blue flag, as well as Cape St Francis Beach. Marina Martinique (a private beach) also received Blue Flag Status.

Blue Flag Status is awarded for excellence in safety, amenities, cleanliness, and environmental standard.

As warmer weather and swim season approach, WESSA celebrates South Africa's pristine coastal destinations with the coveted Blue Flag and Green Coast status awards today (Friday), solidifying its position as a premier coastal destination.

SA's top 48 beaches, flanked by six picturesque coastal spots, known for their breath-taking natural beauty, are proudly boasting their eco labels, demonstrating continued commitment to sustainable tourism.

A further four marinas and six tourism boats have been acknowledged at this season's event at Salinas in Wilderness, hosted by George Municipality - the perfect backdrop for the distinguished gathering who applauded the outstanding contributions made towards sustainable coastal management. The awards also allow for potential Blue Flag sites to participate in a pilot programme, where 23 pilot sites were recognised this year for their efforts in meeting the minimum requirements for Blue Flag status.

Today's ceremony showcased exceptional initiatives and projects highlighting innovative approaches to sustainable practices, conservation, education, and community involvement. By shining a spotlight on these achievements, the event inspired and encouraged others to embrace sustainable coastal management principles.

The Blue Flag programme has been locally managed by WESSA since 2001 in partnership with the global Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and participating coastal municipalities.

The awards serve as a benchmark for sustainable tourism where qualifying criteria for Blue Flag and Green Coast status involve a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria which must be met and maintained. By meeting these rigorous standards in water quality, environmental management, safety, and education, Blue Flag beaches, green coastlines and marinas inspire visitors to become responsible global citizens.

WESSA CEO, Helena Atkinson acknowledged and commended the exceptional efforts made by local authorities, communities, and volunteers in achieving excellent world class standards this season.

"It takes great dedication and effort to manage a beach or marina to meet the rigorous standards set out for this prestigious award, and we extend our warmest congratulations to all the deserving sites that have achieved the eco labels," she said adding that achieving Blue Flag or Green Coast eco label was not just a status symbol but an indication of collective effort, commitment, and compliance.

"By providing ongoing education programmes and training, we are able to provide citizens the key information about beach quality management at Blue Flag or Green Coast sites. It is also a way to recognise the hard work done by municipalities in providing safe natural spaces and preserving our natural resources for future generations," she said.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=826054706187196&set=a.636746655118003