South Coast retains Blue Flag beaches

The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) recently announced that the South Coast region has retained its position as having the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in KZN.

Beaches in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Marina beach, Trafalgar beach, Southport beach, Umzumbe beach, and Hibberdene beach maintained their Blue Flag statuses.
Pennington beach, Rocky Bay beach, Preston beach, Scottburgh beach in Umdoni Municipality, Mtwalume beach, St Michael’s beach, and Ramsgate beach in Ray Nkonyeni Municipality received Blue Flag Pilot status.

According to Wessa, the Blue Flag is a voluntary programme which shows a very strong commitment to environmental sustainability from municipalities that are awarded.

Wessa CEO Helena Atkinson said it takes great dedication and effort to manage a beach or marina to meet the rigorous standards set out for this prestigious award, adding that they extend their warmest congratulations to all the deserving sites that have achieved the eco-labels.

Atkinson added that beaches that have achieved the international certification of Blue Flag have adhered to the Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) standards of environmental management.
She added that the standards relate to water quality, safety, and public environmental education, saying that all properties and companies that apply for the Blue Flag award are assessed by a South African National Jury as well as by the Blue Flag International Jury in Europe.

Meanwhile, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) Phelisa Mangcu said they are delighted that the South Coast has, once again, shown it’s a premier seaside destination that takes environmental conservation and bather safety seriously.

Mangcu said with tourism being the lifeblood of the local economy, this will continue to position the South Coast as a top coastal destination, supporting local job creation and ensuring the region’s economic viability.

“We welcome this announcement, particularly ahead of our busiest time, the festive season. In addition to retaining their title, two South Coast beaches have been noted for the longevity in the programme which started in 2001. Marina Beach has retained Blue Flag status since the programme inception – 22 consecutive years – and Trafalgar Beach for 12 consecutive years. The South Coast also has seven beaches in the Blue Flag Pilot programme, indicating continued commitment to conservation, health, and safety,” she said.

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