Pictured above: [left] Tevya Visser, WESSA’s Senior Sustainability manager leading the Green Key programme in South Africa accepting the Bronze award; [right] Kelly Alcock, WESSA’s Head of Education & Sustainability accepted the Gold Award on behalf of the Coastal Programme team.
We’re thrilled to share that WESSA walked away with two top honours at this year’s Eco-Logic Awards, hosted by The Enviropaedia! Our Coastal Programme proudly won Gold, and our Green Key Programme received Bronze in the Eco-Hospitality and Tourism category, a recognition of our long-standing commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism in South Africa.
Now in its 14th year, the Eco-Logic Awards celebrate the people and organisations driving meaningful change towards a sustainable future. We’re deeply honoured to be counted among them.
Our Coastal Programme win is a shared achievement. As Mike Denison, our Senior Manager for the Coastal Programme, puts it:
“We would like to recognise our diverse coastal partners, from local municipalities and state entities to civil society and community champions, who bring coastal conservation and sustainable tourism to life through the Blue Flag and Green Coast Programmes. Their collective efforts have also driven the growth of our Stop the Strangle action campaign addressing ghost gear and ghost fishing. We are proud to share this award with all of them. It reflects the spirit of Ubuntu, shared responsibility, and unity in protecting our natural heritage.”
Our Green Key Programme’s Bronze Award celebrates the commitment of South African tourism establishments that choose to operate responsibly and sustainably. As Tevya Visser, our Green Key Sustainability Manager, explains:
“This award acknowledges the dedication of our certified establishments and WESSA’s work in driving measurable environmental action within the tourism sector. We look forward to reaching many more establishments across South Africa and creating an even greater positive impact for people and the planet.”
For us, these awards are about more than recognition, they’re a celebration of the partnerships, teamwork, and passion that drive everything we do. As our CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete says:
“This recognition is a tribute to the people and partnerships that make WESSA’s work possible. From our dedicated teams and programme managers to our coastal communities and sustainable tourism partners, these awards reflect the collective impact of individuals who believe that caring for the Earth is everyone’s responsibility.”
As we approach our 100-year milestone in 2026, we remain as committed as ever to inspiring environmental stewardship and enabling real, tangible action that protects our natural heritage while empowering communities across South Africa.
Through our Blue Flag, Green Coast, and Green Key programmes, along with action campaigns like Stop the Strangle, we continue to show that responsible tourism can protect ecosystems, support livelihoods, and foster a deep connection with nature.
These Eco-Logic Awards remind us why we do what we do, and inspire us to keep building a future where people truly care for the Earth.