Plettenberg Bay wins eight global Blue Flag Awards

Plettenberg Bay was awarded eight international Blue Flag Awards for the 2024/2025 season and a Green Coast Award for Nature’s Valley at the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa’s (Wessa) Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards.

“Life in Plett revolves around enjoying our beautiful natural surroundings: the ocean, the beaches, the forests and mountains. That’s why we fight so fiercely to protect them. This vision is shared with our local Bitou municipality, our marine activities and conservation initiatives,” says Patty Butterworth, the CEO of Plett Tourism.

The coveted Blue Flag status is one of the world’s most recognisable voluntary eco labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.

Stringent criteria

To qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. Robberg 5 and Lookout beaches received special awards celebrating 15 and 10 years, respectively, in the Blue Flag programme.

Additionally, Nature’s Valley achieved the prestigious Green Coast Status at the ceremony. This is the second consecutive year that Nature’s Valley has achieved this recognition.

Biodiversity value

Based on the success of the Blue Flag eco label and the recognition that the Blue Flag is only applicable to a limited stretch of urban coastline, Wessa developed a second coastal award for implementation along South Africa’s coastline.

The Green Coast Award, officially launched in 2017, is an annual award programme that recognises inclusive and sustainable management at less developed coastal sites with high biodiversity value, making Nature’s Valley an ideal location for this significant recognition.

‘Sustainable tourism’

“Receiving the Blue Flag and Green Coast accreditations are more than a badge of honour for a coastal destination like Plettenberg Bay; it’s a testament to our commitment to preserving natural beauty, ensuring visitor safety, and fostering community pride,” says Butterworth.

“The accreditations highlight our dedication to sustainable tourism and remind us of the unique role we play in protecting our coastline for future generations – and we notably share this with our local Bitou municipality beach management team, our marine activities and conservation initiatives.”