Africazine:
The South Coast of South Africa has achieved a significant environmental milestone by earning Green Coast status.
Leisure Bay Conservancy and the Mpenjati-Trafalgar Marine Reserve have been recognized for their commitment to sustainable coastal management. This announcement came from the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa (WESSA), which also unveiled new Blue Flag and Green Coast sites.
South Coast Earns Green Coast Recognition
The South Coast has joined the ranks of the Western and Eastern Cape as a region with internationally recognized ‘Green Coast’ destinations. This status is awarded to areas that demonstrate excellence in coastal management and environmental education.
Mike Denison, WESSA’s senior manager for the Coastal Programme, emphasized that the Green Coast awards honor natural, less-developed coastlines that maintain environmental integrity. The certification recognizes communities that act as custodians of their coastline.
Details of the Awarded Areas
Leisure Bay features a four-kilometre stretch of unspoilt coastline, characterized by sandy beaches, estuaries, and dense coastal bush. The area is not only beautiful but also rich in maritime history, with several shipwrecks recorded along its shores.
The active conservancy in Leisure Bay plays a crucial role in environmental protection, engaging volunteers to clear beaches, remove invasive plants, and maintain coastal paths. One of their significant projects involved clearing invasive inkberry from the Admiralty Reserve’s dune forest, resulting in the removal of about 650 bags of the plant.
The Mpenjati-Trafalgar Marine Reserve comprises three marine protected areas, including the ecologically important Protea Banks Marine Protected Area. This area is home to diverse marine life, including seven shark species and deep reefs.
Next Steps for Conservation Efforts
- Continued volunteer efforts to maintain coastal paths and clear invasive species.
- Ongoing public awareness campaigns to educate visitors about local ecosystems.
- Further replanting of indigenous species in affected areas.
These recognitions highlight the commitment of local communities to preserving their natural heritage.
