Coastal protection is back in the spotlight with the latest round of Blue Flag awards which seek to promote environmental management and sustainability.
The latest awards recognised 48 beaches, four marinas, and seven tourism boats “for meeting the highest environmental management, education, safety, accessibility, and sustainability standards”, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) said in an award statement. “This year’s awards also acknowledge the efforts of 18 pilot beaches, highlighting their progress in striving for Blue Flag status. By doing so, WESSA aims to promote a strong connection between communities and the protection of South Africa’s coastal environments, ensuring the well-being of both people and our coastal ecosystems,” WESSA said.
A new addition to the list of Blue Flag tourism boats is Shark Bait, a research vessel operated by White Shark Diving Company, which has also earned Blue Flag recognition for its outstanding contribution to marine conservation.
The four Blue Flag marinas are Thesen Islands, Thesen Harbour Town, the V&A Marina, and Royal Alfred Marina in Port Alfred.
David Green, CEO of V&A Waterfront says businesses have a responsibility to identify, grow, protect, respect, and use marine resources for the benefit of the public and the environment.
“We’re strategically positioned to merge positive socio-economic and environmental impacts. Our goal is to expand ocean education and awareness through this awards platform and demonstrate improved practices in nature conservation, while responsibly sustaining the intersection between city and sea.