WESSA Annual Report 2023-2024

Blue Flag

S South African beaches flying the flag of excellence! The Blue Flag is a widely recognised symbol of environmental excellence, representing a strong commitment to keeping coastlines clean and protecting ocean waters. It is a voluntary but rigorous standard for managing coastal sites worldwide, ensuring beaches, marinas, and tourism boat operators meet strict water quality, safety, environmental management, and education criteria.

The impact of the Blue Flag Programme extends beyond clean coastal areas. It serves as a powerful tool for environmental education and promotes sustainable behaviours. Economically, it is crucial in promoting responsible tourism and creating job opportunities. The programme’s impact is evident in the healthier ecosystems it helps sustain, the engaged communities it inspires, and the sustainable development it promotes.

Milestones and achievements

In the 2023/24 season, the Blue Flag Programme in South Africa celebrated significant achievements. 48 beaches, four marinas, and six tourism boats were awarded with the prestigious Blue Flag status, recognised at the National Blue Flag season launch event in October 2023. The event was held at Wilderness Main Beach, and received valuable support from the host, George Municipality. The season also marked the introduction of 23 pilot beaches and a brand-new shark diving boat operator. These new entrants and the ongoing

participation of established sites have helped offset the loss of three beaches that were temporarily de-certified due to storm damage. These developments bring the programme closer to its goal of 100 Blue Flag sites in South Africa by 2030.

Helena Atkinson (former WESSA CEO), Tevya Lotriet (WESSA Senior Sustainability Programme Manager), Dr Michelle Gratz (George Municipal Manager), and Leon Van Wyk (George Executive Mayor) pictured at the annual Blue Flag Awards in Wilderness, Western Cape

#We Are OneWESSA

WESSA ANNUAL REPORT 2023 – 2024

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