By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) says that Blue Flags will be flown at 51 beaches, five marinas and by four sustainable tourism boats around South Africa over the forthcoming 2021/22 Blue Flag season.
33 Pilot sites have also received recognition for their efforts in working towards the minimum requirements for Blue Flag Status.
The Blue Flag programme is focused on the conservation of marine and coastal habitats, and is designed to raise environmental education and awareness, and increase sound environmental practices among tourists, local populations and beach management.
To achieve Blue Flag status, as many as 33 different criteria spanning four aspects of coastal management must be met and maintained: water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and services.
Among the 51 beaches include: Silwerstroomstrand, Clifton and Camps Bay in Western Cape, Marina, Ray Nkonyeni and Trafalgar in KwaZulu-Natal.