Knysna, Plett decorated with Blue Flags

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Knysna and Plettenberg Bay will boast an impressive total of 12 Blue Flags for the 2023/24 season.

From tourism boat operators to beaches and marinas, the two towns have been heavily decorated this season.

In Plettenberg Bay the beaches at Robberg 5, The Waves, Nature's Valley, Lookout, The Dunes and Singing Kettle received the stamp of approval, along with two tourism boat operators were also given Blue Flag status – Offshore Adventures Robberg Express and Oceanic Express.

Knysna was awarded Blue Flag status for two beaches, Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay. Its marinas also shone with Thesen Island and Thesen Harbour Town each hoisting a Blue Flag – two of only four marinas that got the nod.

The Blue Flag is one of the world's most recognised voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators.

In South Africa, Blue Flag has been operational since 2001 and is active in 18 coastal municipalities across the country.

The programme has been locally managed by Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) since 2001 in partnership with the global Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and participating coastal municipalities.

George Mayor Leon van Wyk and Wessa CEO Helena Atkinson present Knysna Municipality's Director of Planning & Economic Development Andiswa Dunywa and Deputy Mayor Alberto Marbi with their Blue Flag certificates.

Central Beach Photo: Ewald Stander

George Mayor Leon van Wyk and Wessa CEO Helena Atkinson hand over Bitou's Blue Flag certificates to Herman Nieuwoudt, manager in the mayor's office; Mziyanda James, manager in the deputy mayor's office and James Sijama, facilities management. Photo: Chantel Edwards