Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

PollutionSand MiningCoastal ErosionNurdlesUPL Chemical Spill
Back
11 Oct 2013

No Beach Blues

Precious Jili (South Coast Herald)

Celebrating the South Coast’s Blue Flag status during the national Blue Flag programme are (from left) Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, HCM mayor Cynthia Mqwebu and WESSA CEO, Dr Thommie Burger.

“HCM is one of the few municipalities which runs a Blue Flag status 365 days year.“

Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwayk, also known as ‘Kortboek’ (former New National Party leader) visited the South Coast for the annual national Blue Flag launch on Tuesday.

The Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA) marked National Marine Week by celebrating the national launch of this year’s Blue Flag programme at Ramsgate Beach.

The Hibiscus Coast Municipality boasts seven Blue Flag beaches on the South Coast, namely Hibberdene, Umzumbe, Southport, Lucien, Marina Beach and Trafalgar. Ramsgate beach has pilot status because of its current water quality.

The Blue Flag programme has been running internationally for 27 years and has been implemented in South Africa through WESSA since 2001.

Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk encouraged everyone at the ceremony to look after the beaches, and he emphasised that having Blue Flag status attracts tourism which is good for the economy.

“People may see obtaining a Blue Flag beach as a challenge, yet it is not difficult. We just need local people to work together in keeping all beaches user freindly,” said Mr van Schalkwyk.

He added that this would not only boost the economy but would also help in job creation.

“HCM is one of the few municipalities which runs a Blue Flag status for 365 days a year,” said HCM mayor Cynthia Mqwebu.

“I would like to thank everyone who has played a role in maintaining our Blue Flag status for seven of our beaches. I would also like to thank general workers who keep the beaches clean,” she added.

The programme is designed to raise environmental awareness and increase sound environmental practices among tourists, local populations and beach management.

To achieve Blue Flag status, four aspects of coastal management have to be met – water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and services.

 

Online Article