The Buffalo City Metro has been awarded a Blue Flag pilot status recognition by the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA). This is excellent news for the metro, as a total of 14 luxury voyage ships are expected to dock at the Port of East London during the 2024-25 cruise season.
WESSA recently announced that two of East London’s beaches, Gonubie and Kidds Beach, have been awarded Blue Flag pilot status.
According to WESSA, a Blue Flag status is one of the most acknowledged eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators, as it provides excellent international standards for municipalities and tour operators.
The status is obtained by beaches that have complied with WESSA regulations, which include water quality, environmental education activities, safety regulations, tidiness, and coastal management, among others. Areas flying the Blue Flag show a commitment to conserving fragile marine and coastal environments, raising environmental awareness, and promoting sustainable practices.
BCM Executive Mayor Princess Faku has welcomed the status award, adding that it requires stringent compliance with regulations and requirements to qualify for such status. “It is not easy to qualify for such status and recognition as it requires compliance with issues including safety, environmental management of beaches, access points, parking areas, and, most importantly, access to beaches for people with disabilities,” said Faku.
Earlier this year, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment (DFFE), in partnership with the provincial government, launched the Beach Access Mats for people with disabilities in Gonubie as part of the coastal access awareness campaign. “Together with the DFFE, we have reached an agreement to form a partnership towards enhancing greater participation to attract people with disabilities, in particular wheelchair users, to promote universal full beach accessibility in East London,” said Faku.
A BCM Tourism media statement confirmed that 14 luxury passenger ships will dock at the Port of East London to mark the start of the 2024-25 cruise season. Some of the vessels expected to dock include the elegant Azamara Quest, Silver Spirit, and Crystal Serenity. The MS Amadea, known as “The Grand Dame of the Seas,” offers an intimate cruising experience with a capacity for 508 passengers
