WESSA wrapped up the 2024/2025 Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards at V&A Waterfront, celebrating South Africa’s best in coastal conservation.
The Blue Flag programme acknowledged beaches, marinas, and tourism boats that met strict global standards, while Green Coast honoured hidden gems where local communities lead the way in protecting biodiversity and promoting nature-based eco-tourism. A massive thank you to our partners, municipalities, and the passionate community leaders who make this possible.
Pictured above are Andre Blaine, V&A Waterfront Executive Manager Marine & Industrial with WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete, Head of Programmes and Projects Kelly Alcock, Senior Sustainability Manager Tevya Lotriet and Joshio Fischer, V&A’s Marina & Canal Manager.
As South Africa welcomes summer, WESSA and V&A Waterfront proudly hosted the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards today, celebrating the country’s outstanding beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism operators.
In total, 48 beaches, four marinas, and seven tourism boats were recognised for meeting the highest environmental management, education, safety, accessibility, and sustainability standards, earning them the esteemed eco-labels. In addition, seven sites were awarded Green Coast status, these being community-driven coastal conservation areas of high biodiversity and eco-tourism value in South Africa that appeal to people seeking adventure and nature-based experiences.
This year’s awards also acknowledge the efforts of 18 pilot beaches, highlighting their progress in striving for Blue Flag status. By doing so, WESSA aims to promote a strong connection between communities and the protection of South Africa’s coastal environments, ensuring the well-being of both people and our coastal ecosystems.
Newly awarded Blue Flag status
A highlight of this year’s awards includes the recognition of Pennington Beach from Umdoni Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, which has been newly awarded Blue Flag status. Additionally, three new pilot beaches have been introduced: Paternoster Beach from Saldanha Municipality on the West Coast, and Kidd’s Beach and Gonubie Beach from Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Another exciting addition is a new tourism boat, Shark Bait, a research vessel operated by White Shark Diving Company, which has also earned Blue Flag recognition for its outstanding contribution to marine conservation.
Managed by WESSA in South Africa and internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag Programme sets rigorous environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria for coastal destinations worldwide. Since 2001, WESSA has led in promoting sustainable tourism and coastal management through the Blue Flag and Green Coast Programmes in South Africa.
Stringent criteria
Earning a Blue Flag is no small feat, with 33 stringent criteria to meet, ranging from water quality to environmental education, accessibility, and visitor facilities. The award highlights the dedication of local municipalities, tourism operators, marinas, and volunteers in educating, advocating, and acting for the beauty and biodiversity of the country’s coastlines.
“Today, we celebrate beaches, marinas, and tourism boat operators that have met the stringent requirements for Blue Flag and Green Coast status, as well as the passionate people behind these efforts,” said WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete.
“WESSA’s Blue Flag and Green Coast Programmes work collaboratively with these partners to address critical environmental issues affecting coastal environmental management, sustainable coastal tourism, and the well-being of people who enjoy these eco-systems. These initiatives, inspire responsible tourism and showcase the vital role communities play in caring for our natural spaces.” She said.
This year’s ceremony celebrates great achievements and aims to encourage greater collaboration and innovation. For example, the V&A Waterfront is making efforts to reduce marine litter by installing stormwater outlet litter traps.
Grow, protect, respect and use marine resource
David Green, CEO of V&A Waterfront says businesses have a responsibility to identify, grow, protect, respect, and use marine resources for the benefit of the public and the environment.
“We’re strategically positioned to merge positive socio-economic and environmental impacts. Our goal is to expand ocean education and awareness through this awards platform and demonstrate improved practices in nature conservation, while responsibly sustaining the intersection between city and sea.
The Green Coast Awards applaud local conservation heroes and municipalities for good environmental management and the promotion of nature-based tourism. Through the programme, communities have mobilised to collaborate with local authorities to monitor mangroves and estuary health, host environmental learning, participate in Bio-blitz, coastal clean-ups, and campaigns for the protection of vital ecosystems. Their efforts reflect the power of collective action in coastal conservation, which in turn is promoting local eco-tourism and job creation opportunities.
As part of WESSA’s advocacy efforts, these Awards also provide a platform for citizen science monitoring projects (such as water quality testing and biodiversity surveys), local community activism, and environmental education, empowering individuals to take action in protecting South Africa’s coastlines.
If you love coffee and our amazing South African wildlife, you’re going to love this!
“Armoured Aroma” is a unique coffee blend that fuels more than just your day. Thanks to a new partnership with the distributors, Outliers Coffee, every sip of this exceptional blend directly supports WESSA’s Pangolin Programme – contributing to the preservation of one of South Africa’s most endangered species.
As you know, protecting South Africa’s rich biodiversity is central to WESSA’s mission. Our Pangolin Programme plays a key role in the development of both the Regional Conservation Action Plan and the South Africa Biodiversity Management Plan for these endangered creatures.
Now you can support this vital work, simply by switching to “Armoured Aroma”. Because a portion of the purchase price of every bag sold goes directly towards pangolin conservation.
At no additional cost to you, R40 is donated to WESSA for each 1kg bag sold. Each 250g bag sold means another R10 goes towards helping pangolins.
From left to right: Morgan Griffiths, Tina Costas, Cindy-Lee Cloete and Gail Samuels led the discussions on the new Climate Change Act during today’s corporate dialogue event.
In a time of escalating climate crisis, WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) – SA’s leading environmental organisation – hosted a high-level corporate dialogue at Coastlands SKYE Hotel in uMhlanga, Durban to unpack the critical implications of the Climate Change Act for corporate South Africa. This crucial discussion, led by Cindy-Lee Cloete, newly appointed CEO of WESSA, and Tina Costas, a director and environmental law expert from Norton Rose Fulbright, highlighted the urgent role that South African businesses play in the fight against climate change.
The Climate Change Act, signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2024, is the country’s most comprehensive response to the global climate emergency. The legislation mandates corporate compliance through stringent carbon budgets, emission reduction targets, and mitigation plans. It is a law that signals the dawn of a new era where businesses must evolve or face the consequences—both financial and reputational.
Urgent call to action for South Africa’s business sector
During the dialogue, WESSA emphasised the importance of this legislation as a regulatory framework and an urgent call to action for South Africa’s business sector. Companies will now be required to submit mitigation plans, stay within assigned sectoral (carbon) emission targets (SETs), and adapt operations to meet climate change risks. These changes are imminent, and the Act gives businesses little room for complacency.
WESSA, with its extensive 98-year track record in environmental advocacy, conservation and education, is uniquely positioned to support corporate South Africa in navigating this new landscape. Cloete’s message was clear: the private sector can no longer delay its response to climate change. Businesses must urgently shift to more sustainable practices, and WESSA stands ready to guide them.
“The Act challenges businesses to rethink their environmental impact. Compliance is no longer an option – it’s a requirement. But it’s also an opportunity for companies to innovate, future-proof their operations, and contribute to a just transition that benefit both people and the planet,” said Cloete.
Comprehensive presentation of the Climate Change Act
Tina Costas, Director at Norton Rose Fulbright, provided a comprehensive presentation of the Climate Change Act; stressing that the law was designed to hold companies accountable for their greenhouse gas emissions and enforce sector-specific reduction targets. The message was unequivocal – those failing to comply face significant penalties and risk being left behind in a rapidly changing global marketplace where sustainability and resilience are prized.
The dialogue highlighted that, while the Climate Change Act has not become operational as yet, it opens opportunities for businesses to rethink their response strategies.
WESSA, through its impactful environmental programmes and training workshops, assessments, and expertise in environmental conservation and education, is ready to guide companies in attaining their environmental goals.
Cloete concluded the session by reinforcing WESSA’s commitment to a sustainable South Africa and calling on the business community to embrace the transformation that lies ahead: “The Climate Change Act is our nation’s answer to the climate change crisis and challenges, and WESSA is committed to providing expert guidance and solutions to businesses that are eager to respond and adapt to these changes effectively.”
Young artists are invited to enter the Richard Lewis Art Competition, just launched by WESSA in partnership with talented Grade 9 learner, Rio Immerman, who attends Reddam House in Constantia.
“Parts of a Whole” challenges participants to explore how humans and animals interact with their environment. The theme highlights our inter-connectedness and the impact of disrupting these connections. Artworks should reflect how our actions affect the world, the consequences of damaging species, and the steps we can take to restore balance.
Entry into the competition is free of charge and open to all Grade 8-12 learners. And the winner walks away with all these great prizes:
A weekend family getaway for four persons at uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve in Howick, KZN, valued at R4 000. Prize includes accommodation only, and excludes transport, meals and refreshments.
R500 Cape Union Mart voucher.
R1 500 food and cosmetics hamper for AVI.
R1 000 from the Paul Roux community.
Richard Lewis was a dedicated conservationist and former WESSA CEO who passed away unexpectedly in 2024. The competition celebrates his commitment to environmental stewardship and youth development through the Artisanal Training Institute.
Terms & Conditions
The competition runs from 27 August – 12 October 2024. No late entries will be accepted.
The competition is open only to young artists in Grades 8-12.
Entries must be original, unpublished artwork, photography or sculpture.
Artwork must not contain any third-party logos.
Artwork cannot be offensive or discriminatory, or display explicit gore, violence or sex.
To enter, participants must fill in the entry form on this website, and upload an image of their artwork. In the case of sculptures, up to 3 images may be uploaded.
Participants agree that WESSA may use their images or photographs in marketing and publicity materials related to the competition, including announcements of winners and showcases of the artwork. This complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
The judges’ decision is final. The judging panel comprises Kim Lieberman, Sarah Heinamann and Shirley Fintz.
Six finalists will be selected by 30 October 2024.
Finalists’ entries will be displayed on this website and the public will be invited to vote for the winner. Voting is limited to once per person. Voting closes 6 November 2024.
The winner will be announced on 8 November, 2024, and will receive all the prizes listed above.
Richard Lewis Art Competition Entry Form
Please complete all sections of the form and upload images of your artwork in jpg or pdf format. Max file size: 20 MB. Minimum file size: 2 MB
