Blue Flag makes a welcome return

GEORGE NEWS - Georgians will see one Blue Flag hoisted and two Pilot Blue Flag boards put up at our local beaches for the coming summer season. Wilderness Beach has regained full Blue Flag status after two years of pilot status following a change in criteria and Covid-19 implications.

Victoria Bay and Herold's Bay this year both gained pilot status following application by the George Municipality.

Blue Flag is an international coastal management programme that is a yardstick for excellence in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information, as well as safety and services. In South Africa the programme is implemented by the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (Wessa).

Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz and Manager of Parks and Recreation Nosidima Vumindaba received the flag and boards at a Wessa function in Hermanus yesterday morning, 27 October.

Gratz said Blue Flag status offers many benefits, including improved tourism facilities, enhanced management of coastal ecosystems, increased awareness of the coast and capacity building of coastal municipalities.

"Local and international tourism to our region has taken a major knock since the start of Covid-19 and countless local livelihoods were impacted. Blue Flag status has significant international merit and achieving these accolades are important to stimulate and confirm international and high-end interest in the city and district as a desirable, quality tourism and lifestyle destination," she said.

Manager of Parks and Recreation Nosidima Vumindaba and Acting Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz received the flag and boards at a Wessa function in Hermanus yesterday morning. Photo: Melanie Maré

"We thank Garden Route District Municipality for their role in the application for Wilderness, as well as other role players such as SANParks Garden Route National Parks, who shares jurisdiction of Wilderness beach with the George Municipality. We look forward to achieving full Blue Flag status for Victoria and Herold's Bay in the near future and will continue working with other relevant role players to ensure compliance."

The Blue Flag season runs from 1 December 2021 to 31 January 2022. Compliance includes high standards of water quality monitoring, public safety and lifeguard services, and well-maintained coastal amenities.

South Africa has participated in the Blue Flag programme since 2001.

Victoria Bay (pictured) and Herold’s Bay both have Blue Flag pilot status this year.