EAST LONDON – The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality is delighted by the announcement that two of its beaches, Gonubie Beach and Kidds Beach, have once again received Blue Flag pilot status from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA).
Blue Flag status, according to WESSA, is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. The status is typically obtained by beaches that have complied with WESSA regulations, which encompass over 33 different categories including water quality, environmental education activities, and coastal management, amongst others.
This recognition acknowledges the Metro’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality, safety, and sustainability of its coastal environments whilst promoting responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.
Buffalo City Metro Executive Mayor Princess Faku said, “It is not easy to qualify for such status as there are many criteria the city has to meet. This includes, amongst others, compliance, environmental management of beaches, parking, safety, access points, and most importantly, cleanliness. Fortunately, we have met those requirements, and we are working hard to add additional Blue Flags to more of our beaches. We are a tourist destination, and we have to live up to those standards.”
The Metro acknowledges that, whilst obtaining Blue Flag pilot recognition is regarded as a significant achievement, more work remains to be undertaken in terms of maintaining and obtaining full Blue Flag status, and also complying with the conditions.
