KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna municipal manager Kam Chetty is delighted that Greater Knysna has once again secured several Blue Flags.

Buffalo Bay and Brenton-on-Sea beaches both received Blue Flag status for the 2017/2018 season. 

During the prestigious national Blue Flag launch on 4 October, two Knysna marinas – Thesen Harbour Town and Thesen Island – also received the status, as did one sustainable tourism boat operator, Ocean Odyssey, for its boats Sousa, Dolphin and Oyster Catcher.

"Now that our town is in a rebuild phase, Knysna municipality recognises the value of our Blue Flags as not just important for environmental management and education, but also for tourism, economic development and job creation. 

We are still at early phases of rebuilding Greater Knysna and this award demonstrates our commitment to the rebuild programme, ensuring that Knysna will rise out of the ashes, better and stronger than before," said Chetty.

South Africa has participated in the Blue Flag international coastal programme since 2001. 

This programme accredits beaches that meet standards of excellence in water quality, environmental management, education and information, as well as safety and services.

The programme offers many benefits: improved tourism facilities, enhanced management of coastal ecosystems, increased awareness of the coast and capacity building of coastal municipalities.

In South Africa the programme is implemented by the Wildlife Environmental Society of South Africa (Wessa).

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