EAST LONDON- Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) has announced that the Gonubie Beach and Kidd’s Beach have been awarded Pilot Blue Flag Status by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) for the upcoming season.
The Pilot Blue Flag Status is said to be a significant step towards achieving full Blue Flag accreditation, an internationally recognised eco-label awarded to beaches that meet the highest standards of environmental management, water quality, safety and environmental education.
Furthermore the municipality’s ongoing efforts to improve quality, safety, and sustainability of their coastal environments while they are portraying a responsible environment for tourism and stewardship.
In addition BCMM and WESSA are going to work together during the course of the pilot phase ensuring that the BCMM sustain all criteria of the flag together with other stakeholders.
This will include the well being of the beach including improvements in water quality, waste management and public awareness programmes.
Furthermore BCMM Executive Mayor Cllr Princess Faku said, “We are extremely proud of this achievement, as it reflects our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the natural beauty and environmental integrity of our coastline. The awarding of Pilot Blue Flag Status to Gonubie and Kidd’s Beach demonstrates that we are on the right path toward achieving full blue Flag accreditation.”
Faku added that this recognition will reaffirm the city’s position as the sustainable and attractive tourism destination. “Our beaches are not only places of leisure but also vital environmental assets that we must protect for future generations, we will continue to invest in improving coastal management practices ensuring safety and promoting environmental education among our communities and visitors.”
In addition BCMM encourages residents and visitors to keep the beaches clean to honour the environment and take part in local conservation initiatives.
Photograph: supplied
