Blaauwberg Nature Reserve has earned Green Coast Status for the seventh time, recognising sustained conservation, inclusive environmental education, community partnerships and responsible coastal tourism efforts locally.
The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa officially presented the Green Coast recognition to the City of Cape Town’s Environmental Management Department during the annual Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards held at Grotto Blue Flag Beach in Hermanus on 8 October.
Blaauwberg first received Green Coast Status in 2018 and has continued to meet the environmental management criteria associated with the programme.
For the City, the seventh recognition demonstrates how long-term conservation can create value beyond protecting natural areas.
The approximately 2 000-hectare reserve incorporates a seven-kilometre coastline and protects critically endangered vegetation, while also creating opportunities around environmental education, sustainable tourism and public access to nature.
More than 200 plant species have been identified along this section of the Green Coast through research undertaken by volunteers from the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers.
Green Coast sites are recognised for protecting at least one of three major coastal priorities: sensitive habitats, sensitive species or cultural heritage.
Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment Alderman Eddie Andrews said the recognition reflects the work of several organisations and individuals involved in protecting the area.
“It is a wonderful acknowledgement of the passion and hard work that goes into protecting this special coastline,” Andrews said. “We are proud that Blaauwberg continues to set the ‘Green’ standard for coastal conservation, while creating opportunities for environmental education, sustainable tourism and local communities.”
The achievement also demonstrates the role partnerships can play in environmental stewardship.
The City’s Environmental Management Department works alongside organisations including WESSA and the Friends of Blaauwberg Conservation Area, combining municipal management, community participation and environmental expertise.
WESSA Chief Executive Officer Cindy-Lee Cloete said the Green Coast programme is intended to recognise the work taking place behind environmental awards rather than focusing only on the status itself.
“Green Coast is about far more than a status or a flag. It reflects the daily work of municipalities, conservation partners and coastal communities to care for the places we all depend on and enjoy,” Cloete said.
She said environmental awards ultimately depend on people whose conservation work is often conducted quietly and under significant pressure.
“Today, we recognise that commitment and the shared responsibility to protect our coastline for future generations.”
Blaauwberg’s recognition also carries an important inclusion dimension.
In February 2026, the reserve became home to South Africa’s first Braille coastal environmental education signage.
The initiative was introduced by WESSA in partnership with Nedbank, Blind SA, the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities and the City of Cape Town.
The “living signage” project expands access to environmental information for people with visual impairments and demonstrates how conservation spaces can become more inclusive rather than simply more protected.
That combination of environmental responsibility and accessibility strengthens the wider social value of conservation.
Protected areas can safeguard biodiversity while simultaneously supporting education, tourism, recreation and community participation.
For businesses and institutions involved in environmental, social and governance programmes, initiatives such as the Braille signage also demonstrate how ESG investment can connect environmental protection with social inclusion.
WESSA hosted its Coastal Celebrations in the Overstrand from 6 to 8 October, culminating in the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards.
South Africa has a long association with internationally recognised coastal environmental programmes, with WESSA having operated the Blue Flag programme nationally for 25 years.
Cloete said Blaauwberg’s seventh Green Coast recognition reflects sustained care rather than a once-off environmental intervention.
“We congratulate the City of Cape Town and look forward to continuing our partnership to strengthen coastal conservation, education and access to these special places.”
For Blaauwberg, maintaining Green Coast Status year after year means the impact is found not simply in receiving another flag.
It is visible in protected habitats, documented plant species, stronger environmental partnerships, accessible education and the continued opportunity for communities and visitors to experience a coastline being managed with future generations in mind.
