Two more Blue Flags for EC’s beaches

Kidd’s Beach and Gonubie Beach from Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape are among the latest additions to South Africa’s 48 beaches.

The programme is managed by WESSA in South Africa and internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The Blue Flag Programme sets rigorous environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria for coastal destinations worldwide. Since 2001, WESSA has led the promotion of sustainable tourism and coastal management through the Blue Flag and Green Coast Programmes in South Africa.

Stringent criteria

Earning a Blue Flag is no small feat. There are 33 stringent criteria to meet, ranging from water quality to environmental education, accessibility, and visitor facilities. The award highlights the dedication of local municipalities, tourism operators, marinas, and volunteers in educating, advocating, and acting for the beauty and biodiversity of the country’s coastlines.

“We celebrate beaches, marinas, and tourism boat operators that have met the stringent requirements for Blue Flag and Green Coast status, as well as the passionate people behind these efforts,” said WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete.

“WESSA’s Blue Flag and Green Coast Programmes work collaboratively with these partners to address critical environmental issues affecting coastal environmental management, sustainable coastal tourism, and the well-being of people who enjoy these ecosystems. These initiatives inspire responsible tourism and showcase communities’ vital role in caring for our natural spaces,” she said.

This year’s ceremony celebrates excellent achievements and encourages greater collaboration and innovation.

The complete list of Eastern Cape Blue Flag beaches is:

• Kouga: Cape St Francis, Dolphin

• Nelson Mandela Bay Metro: Hobie, Humewood, Kings

• Ndlambe: Kariega, Kelly’s, Middle Kenton on Sea

The awards also included the Green Coast programme.

The Green Coast Awards applaud local conservation heroes and municipalities for good environmental management and the promotion of nature-based tourism. Through the programme, communities have mobilised to collaborate with local authorities to monitor mangroves and estuary health, host environmental learning, participate in bio-blitzes and coastal clean-ups, and campaign to protect vital ecosystems. Their efforts reflect the power of collective action in coastal conservation, promoting local eco-tourism and job creation opportunities.

As part of WESSA’s advocacy efforts, these Awards also provide a platform for citizen science monitoring projects (such as water quality testing and biodiversity surveys), local community activism, and environmental education, empowering individuals to take action in protecting South Africa’s coastlines.

The Eastern Cape holds three Green Coast-awarded sites: Morgan’s Bay, Kei Mouth, and Chintsa.