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George Municipality Celebrates Prestigious Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards

Published November 02, 2024
3 months ago

George Municipality has once again affirmed its commitment to maintaining exemplary beach standards by retaining the prestigious Blue Flag status for three of its most cherished beaches. The national awards ceremony, hosted by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) in Cape Town, celebrated Wilderness Main, Herold’s Bay, and Victoria Bay as outstanding Blue Flag beaches. The Blue Flag is a coveted international eco-label awarded to beaches that uphold strict criteria for water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety and services.





Accepting the awards, George Municipality's Manager of Parks and Recreation Nosidima Vumindaba and MMC for Community Services Councillor Marchell Kleynhans expressed great pride in the municipality's achievement. Vumindaba highlighted the critical role of Blue Flag and Green Coast status in promoting local tourism, conserving the coastal environment, and spearheading environmental education. Vumindaba noted the international significance of the Blue Flag accolades, stating, “These awards contribute significantly to establishing our city and district as premier tourism destinations endowed with beautiful and responsibly managed coastal areas.”


The collaboration between George Municipality and SANParks Garden Route National Park was particularly emphasized for its joint management of the picturesque Wilderness Beach, which has become a pinnacle of sustainable tourism in the region.


The Blue Flag season, which will unfold from December 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025, signifies a dedicated period where the local beaches must consistently meet the high standards set by the Blue Flag program. These standards encompass water quality, safeguarding the well-being of beachgoers, and the upkeep of the facilities that serve the public.


Additionally, George Municipality celebrated the recognition of Leentjiesklip Beach, which continues to make strides as a Pilot Blue Flag Beach, illustrating the municipality’s enduring dedication to environmental excellence. Meanwhile, the Gwaiing Beach and River Mouth basked in the acknowledgment of the Green Coast Award, an accolade that celebrates coastal areas for their rich biodiversity and promotes community involvement in environmental stewardship. Launched in 2017, the Green Coast Award underpins the municipality's reputation for supporting sustainable development and community-based conservation initiatives.


With these awards, George Municipality reinforces its identity as an eco-friendly tourism hotspot on the South African coastline. The pristine beaches not only captivate visitors with their natural beauty but also showcase the municipality's steadfast commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable management practices. These recognitions serve as a pledge that George Municipality will continue to embrace its role as a guardian of the environment, ensuring its beaches remain clean, safe, and inviting for all who seek the solace of its shores.


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