51 South African beaches have either kept or been awarded Blue Flag status for the 2022/23 period. The Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) announced that ’51 Blue Flags will be flown at South Africa’s beaches,’ as well as ‘four marinas and two sustainable tourism boats,’ reports BusinessTech.
Picture: Getaway gallery
19 pilot sites received Blue Flag status for meeting the necessary requirements. There are 33 criteria within four different ‘aspects of coastal management’ that need to be met in order to receive Blue Flag status. The four aspects include ‘water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and services.’
33 of the Blue Flag beaches are in the Western Cape, and KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape each have nine.
None of Durban’s beaches received Blue Flag status this year due to ‘sewage and other waste flooding into the sea’ during the floods.
Photo Brandon Payne
BusinessTech recognises that consistently aiming to keep Blue Flag status annually ‘shows a very strong commitment to environmental sustainability from those municipalities, marinas, and tour boat operators.’
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