KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna municipality officially launched the holiday Blue Flag beach season at Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay on the 30 November.
A special flag-hoisting ceremony at Brenton-on-Sea was attended by mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies, municipal officials, representatives from the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (Wessa), SANParks, the Brenton Ratepayers' Association and residents.
Bouw-Spies said Blue Flag status at local beaches is a great achievement.
“It is a major boost for tourism, economic development and job creation.
"Acquiring the status requires hard work from our side, and needs the buy-in and input of a variety of stakeholders to work together as a collective.
She continued by stating that environmental management and education are some of the key elements to achieve and maintain Blue Flag status, and thanking all stakeholders for their hard work.
"Greater Knysna is rising and will continue to rise if we keep on working together,” said Bouw-Spies.
Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies surrounded by various stakeholders at the Blue Flag season launch in Brenton on 30 November.
Judy Harrison from the Brenton Ratepayers Association said the status keeps beaches clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.
“We are looking forward to a great holiday season. Dogs may also enjoy these beautiful beaches before 09:00 and after 17:00, provided they are kept on their leashes at all times”.
The mayor then hoisted the official flags, first at Brenton then at Buffalo Bay, where they will fly high until the end of the official summer season on the 31 January.
South Africa has participated in the Blue Flag programme since 2001.
It is an international coastal management accreditation programme for beaches that meet standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and information as well as safety and services.
Another flag hoisted at Buffalo Bay.
The programme offers many benefits, including improved tourism facilities, enhanced management of coastal ecosystems, capacity building of coastal municipalities and increased awareness in general.
In South Africa, the programme is implemented by the Wessa.
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