Green Coast Programme: Building Resilient Coastal Destinations
WESSA supported a strong cohort of 16 Green Coast applications for the 2025/26 season, with nine of these being from new sites. Applicants submitted evidence and completed readiness checks, which were reviewed by the National Green Coast Jury in September. The results will be announced at the Annual Blue Flag and Green Coast Award Ceremony at the end of October 2025.
Green Coast aims to strengthen sustainable development along South Africa’s coastline by linking biodiversity care with nature-based tourism. The programme focuses on inclusive, educational, and locally beneficial initiatives—from creating accessible trails and enhancing interpretive signage to citizen-science monitoring and clean-ups that improve visitor experience. These efforts help build resilient destinations that create jobs while protecting ecosystems.
International coastal cleanup turns awareness into action
In September, the Green Coast network showed strong participation in International Coastal Cleanup. Many partners paired clean-ups with educational pop-ups, litter-audit data collection, and marine-safety messaging. Several sites spotlighted the Stop the Strangle campaign by installing or servicing fishing-line bins and mapping entanglement-risk hotspots.
These efforts translated awareness into measurable action: cleaner beaches, safer wildlife, and communities mobilised to keep plastic and fishing line out of our oceans.
Recognising partners on World Tourism Day
On World Tourism Day (27 September), WESSA recognised the municipal, NGO, private-sector, and community partners who bring impact to the Coastal Programme, showcasing how collaboration drives sustainable coastal management.
Blue Flag Programme: Celebrating Excellence in Coastal and Marine Tourism
WESSA sincerely acknowledges the outstanding commitment of year-round Blue Flag Sustainable Tourism operators, whose continued efforts ensure responsible coastal and marine tourism and set a global standard of excellence.
Special appreciation goes to Marine Dynamics Whale & Shark Tours, Offshore Adventures, and White Shark Diving Company. These operators demonstrate how eco-tourism can protect biodiversity while providing visitors with world-class, environmentally responsible experiences.
Blue Flag recognition also extends to marinas including the V&A Waterfront, Thesen Island Homeowners Association, Thesen Harbour Town, and Royal Alfred Marina. These sites uphold high standards of clean waters, safe facilities, and sustainable management, making them model destinations for both locals and international visitors.
We commend the Blue Flag Beaches under Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Umdoni Municipality, and KwaDukuza Municipality, whose dedicated teams ensure safe, clean, and environmentally conscious beaches that attract tourism, create jobs, and foster community pride.
A shared commitment
Together, these operators and partners continue to fly the Sustainability Flag high. Their commitment demonstrates that tourism, conservation, and community benefit can go hand-in-hand—protecting natural heritage while strengthening responsible and sustainable tourism for the future.