DOLPHIN Beach in Jeffreys Bay has retained its Blue Flag status, with the St Francis Bay canals able to hoist the flag for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kouga\u2019s prime beach is one of 46 beaches in the country and one of only seven in the Eastern Cape where the Blue Flag will be flown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (Wessa) held its annual national Blue Flag launch at Santos Beach in Mossel Bay on Friday. Wessa is the implementing partner of the Department of Tourism for the Blue Flag programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to the beaches, the prestigious flag will also fly at eight marinas and 12 sustainable tourism boats around South Africa during the Blue Flag season, which officially starts on November 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finance Portfolio Councillor and Acting Executive Mayor of Kouga at the time, Brenton Williams, went to receive this year\u2019s Blue Flag at the launch on behalf of the municipality.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are super proud that we have retained this status as it is international confirmation that Dolphin Beach is a quality holiday destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt recognises that we are at the forefront of beach management as stringent international conditions must be met,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applications for the Blue Flag eco-label are reviewed annually by a South African and international jury panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To achieve the status, as many as 33 criteria, spanning over four areas of coastal management, must be maintained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The four areas are water quality, environmental education information, environmental management and safety services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Blue Flag programme, now running for 31 years, focuses on the conservation of marine and coastal habitats and is designed to raise environmental awareness and increase sound environmental practices among tourists, local populations and beach managers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Williams said the municipality had been working closely with Wessa and the Department of Environmental Affairs to improve its beachfronts and coastline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the 17th time that Dolphin Beach received Blue Flag status. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" DOLPHIN Beach in Jeffreys Bay has retained its Blue Flag status, with the St Francis Bay canals able to hoist the flag for the first 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