Coastal Pride: Plett and Knysna Shine with Blue Flags
Plett and Knysna, two picturesque coastal towns, have once again embraced a vibrant shade of blue as they proudly display their eight Blue Flag beaches for the 2023/2024 season. Knysna, in particular, received an extra dose of recognition with two additional Blue Flags adorning the marinas on Thesen Island.
Among the coastal gems, Plettenberg Bay shines bright with the second-highest number of Blue Flag beaches, surpassed only by the bustling City of Cape Town, which boasts eight Blue Flag beaches of its own.
The prestigious Blue Flag status was bestowed upon a lineup of stunning beaches: Robberg 5, The Waves, Nature’s Valley, Lookout, The Dunes, and Singing Kettle, all met the stringent criteria in categories like environmental education, water quality, environmental management, and safety services. Adding to the coastal accolades, two esteemed tourism boat operators, Offshore Adventures Robberg Express and Oceanic Express, also received the coveted Blue Flag status.
Knysna’s beauty was further enhanced with Blue Flags gracing the shores of Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay. Moreover, its marinas, Thesen Island and Thesen Harbour Town, proudly flew the Blue Flag, a distinction shared by only four marinas globally.
The Blue Flag, a globally recognized eco-label, is a testament to the environmental consciousness of beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. Knysna Municipal Manager Ombali Sebola highlighted the meticulous evaluation process, emphasizing the importance of meeting and maintaining the stringent criteria. Visitors, Sebola noted, can expect exceptional standards when they visit these beaches.
South Africa’s coastal pride, the Blue Flag initiative, has been active since 2001, operating in 18 coastal municipalities nationwide. Managed locally by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) in collaboration with the global Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and participating coastal municipalities, the program promotes environmental awareness and conservation.
Bitou, a standout municipality, earned not only Blue Flags but also the esteemed Green Coast award for its conservation efforts in Nature’s Valley. This annual award, initiated in 2017, recognizes exceptional and sustainable management at less developed coastal sites with high biodiversity value. Nature’s Valley stands tall among the six prestigious Green Coast sites, showcasing the community’s dedication to environmental preservation.
During the recent award ceremony held in Wilderness, Wessa chief executive Helena Atkinson praised the relentless efforts of local authorities, communities, and volunteers.
She emphasized that achieving Blue Flag or Green Coast status was not merely a symbol but a testament to collective dedication, commitment, and compliance.
(Photo to the Right) George Mayor Leon van Wyk and Wessa CEO Helena Atkinson present Knysna Municipality’s Director of Planning & Economic Development Andiswa Dunywa and Deputy Mayor Alberto Marbi with their Blue Flag certificates. (End)
Atkinson reiterated the importance of education programs and ongoing training, providing citizens with vital information about beach quality management.
These efforts not only acknowledge the hard work of municipalities but also ensure safe natural spaces and the preservation of precious resources for future generations.