Blue Flag pilot status for five Umdoni beaches
Several Umdoni beaches have achieved a Blue Flag Pilot status.
Tourism on the KZN South Coast has received a further boost with an announcement last Friday that the region has retained its position as having the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province.
Also, five beaches under Umdoni Municipality have achieved Blue Flag Pilot status for 2023/2024 – Pennington, Rocky Bay, Preston, Mtwalume and Scottburgh.
Five of the South Coast’s Blue Flag beaches under Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) are Marina beach, Trafalgar beach, Southport beach, Umzumbe beach and Hibberdene beach.
Two beaches, also under RNM, St Michaels beach and Ramsgate achieved Blue Flag Pilot status.
“We are delighted that the KZN South Coast has, once again, shown it’s a premier seaside destination that takes environmental conservation and bather safety seriously,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE).
“With tourism the lifeblood of our local economy, this will continue to position the South Coast as a top coastal destination, supporting local job creation and ensuring the region’s economic viability. We welcome this announcement, particularly ahead of our busiest time, the festive season!”
Beaches that have achieved the international certification of Blue Flag have adhered to the Foundation for Environmental Education’s (FEE) standards of environmental management. These standards relate to water quality, safety and public environmental education. All properties and companies that apply for the Blue Flag award are assessed by a South African National Jury as well as by the Blue Flag International Jury in Europe.
In South Africa, Wessa (Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa), has been managing this globally recognised eco-label locally in partnership FEE since 2001. According to Wessa, the Blue Flag is a voluntary programme which shows a strong commitment to environmental sustainability from municipalities that are awarded.
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