MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The list of Blue Flag en Green Coast sites for 2025/26 was recently announced by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa).
The society announced a total of 97 certifications for the whole of South Africa on 31 October, recognising 50 full-status Blue Flag beaches, 20 pilot sites, five marinas, seven boats and 15 Green Coast sites.
Mossel Bay was awarded four full sites and three pilot sites.
Blue Flag beaches include:
• De Bakke
• Glentana
• Hartenbos
• Little Brak River.
Pilot sites:
• Santos (full Blue Flag beach in 2024/25)
• Suiderkruis
• Tweekuilen.
According to Wessa, a pilot beach is a site that is in the process of working towards full Blue Flag accreditation. “It operates under the same principles and criteria as a certified Blue Flag beach, covering environmental education, water quality, environmental management, safety and services. Pilot beaches have two seasons to focus on improving certain areas to meet all international standards.
“The pilot status allows municipalities and local managers to gain experience with the programme, strengthen compliance and showcase their commitment to sustainable beach management before applying for full Blue Flag status in a future season.”
Bitou, including Plettenberg Bay and Keurbooms, was awarded six full sites: Lookout, Robberg 5, the Waves, the Dunes, Singing Kettle and Nature’s Valley.
George was awarded three full sites, Herold’s Bay, Victoria Bay Beach and Wilderness, and one pilot site, Leentjiesklip.
Hessequa was awarded six full sites: Lappiesbaai, Gouritzmond, Stilbaai-Wes, Witsand, Jongensfontein and Preekstoel.
Marinas
While Knysna did not achieve a Blue Flag beach, two of its marinas, Thesen Harbour Town Marina and Thesen Islands Homeowners Marina, achieved full Blue Flag status for maintaining world-class standards in water quality, safety, environmental management and community engagement.
In addition, 15 Green Coast sites received certification. The Green Coast Programme recognises natural, less-developed coastal areas that balance biodiversity protection with nature-based tourism, says Wessa.
Nature’s Valley (with Bitou Municipality and Nature’s Valley Trust as implementing partners), Swartvlei Beach (Knysna Municipality and the Strandloper Project), and Gwaiing Beach (George Municipality) are included here.
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