Dec 7, 2024 | News
The Board has approved two policies, developed by the Environmental Governance Committee and its contributing volunteer experts, to guide WESSA’s engagement and activism concerning current and future mining energy issues.
These policies recognise that the socio-economic and environmental landscapes are complex and so must make space for continuous change and emergence. We recognise that there needs to be some major “transitions”, particularly in how we think about mineral wealth and energy, and the impacts on jobs and livelihoods built around existing activities and systems.
Read our Position Statements.
Nov 7, 2024 | News
As South Africa faces increasing water shortages and water quality challenges, WESSA has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on the Youth Leading in Water Resilience Project. Part of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programme, this initiative empowers young people in South Africa to tackle one of the nation’s most urgent challenges: water security.
Running from October 2024 to March 2025, the programme will engage 29 000 learners between the ages of 5 and 19 across 30 schools in Gauteng, the Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Free State. Over 4 000 unemployed youth – mainly from rural and peri-urban areas – are being trained to lead water resilience efforts. This extensive outreach is designed to create a ripple effect, deepening community engagement in tackling South Africa’s urgent water challenges.
The involvement of community members, including government officials, further amplifies its impact. By training both local leaders and government representatives, the project aims to embed sustainable water practices within the structures that oversee the country’s water systems, fostering collaboration and action across sectors to ensure that water monitoring becomes a shared responsibility.
Water quality testing at Okiep Hoerskool.
Water quality testing
The initiative focuses on water quality monitoring, capacity building, and community-based solutions, aiming to build a generation of informed and empowered water custodians. Through the project, youth and community members play an integral role in community-based water monitoring, while working to ensure that clean drinking water is accessible and that water systems are maintained effectively. By encouraging a spirit of collaboration, UNICEF and WESSA aim to empower children, youth and their communities to prioritise water resilience.
“Water is the foundation of life and a resource under tremendous strain in our country. This project aims to empower children and young people by providing them with the skills, resources, and knowledge to monitor water quality in their schools and communities. Participants will gain hands-on experience in identifying and addressing water-related issues, as well as learn how to advocate for sustainable water management practices,” says Cindy-Lee Cloete, WESSA’s CEO.
These sentiments are echoed by Christine Muhigana, UNICEF South Africa Representative who notes that “empowering children and young people to take ownership of water resilience is crucial for South Africa’s future. Through this programme, we are cultivating a generation of informed and motivated water custodians who will champion sustainable water management practices and ensure a water-secure future for all.”
Water warriors
The support of WaterCAN’s data management system ensures that water quality insights are accurately stored, analysed, and leveraged to make impactful decisions. Ferrial Adams, Executive Manager at WaterCAN, emphasises the importance of the data-driven approach, adding, “by engaging children and youth through citizen science, the initiative deepens their understanding of water issues and encourages sustainable practices. This effort not only raises awareness but also empowers the next generation to take proactive steps in preserving our precious water resources and becoming water warriors.”
As the country grapples with erratic rainfall, recurring droughts and flooding, and contaminated water supplies, the need for initiatives like this has never been greater. South Africa’s fragile water resources are critical to the well-being of millions, particularly those living in under-resourced regions. Through this partnership, UNICEF and WESSA address the issue holistically bridging the gap between education, community mobilisation, and systemic reform.
Water quality testing at St Anna Private School
Oct 28, 2024 | News
Pictured above are Andre Blaine, V&A Waterfront Executive Manager Marine & Industrial with WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete, Head of Programmes and Projects Kelly Alcock, Senior Sustainability Manager Tevya Lotriet and Joshio Fischer, V&A’s Marina & Canal Manager.
As South Africa welcomes summer, WESSA and V&A Waterfront proudly hosted the Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards today, celebrating the country’s outstanding beaches, marinas, and sustainable tourism operators.
In total, 48 beaches, four marinas, and seven tourism boats were recognised for meeting the highest environmental management, education, safety, accessibility, and sustainability standards, earning them the esteemed eco-labels. In addition, seven sites were awarded Green Coast status, these being community-driven coastal conservation areas of high biodiversity and eco-tourism value in South Africa that appeal to people seeking adventure and nature-based experiences.
This year’s awards also acknowledge the efforts of 18 pilot beaches, highlighting their progress in striving for Blue Flag status. By doing so, WESSA aims to promote a strong connection between communities and the protection of South Africa’s coastal environments, ensuring the well-being of both people and our coastal ecosystems.
Newly awarded Blue Flag status
A highlight of this year’s awards includes the recognition of Pennington Beach from Umdoni Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, which has been newly awarded Blue Flag status. Additionally, three new pilot beaches have been introduced: Paternoster Beach from Saldanha Municipality on the West Coast, and Kidd’s Beach and Gonubie Beach from Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Another exciting addition is a new tourism boat, Shark Bait, a research vessel operated by White Shark Diving Company, which has also earned Blue Flag recognition for its outstanding contribution to marine conservation.
Managed by WESSA in South Africa and internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag Programme sets rigorous environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria for coastal destinations worldwide. Since 2001, WESSA has led in promoting sustainable tourism and coastal management through the Blue Flag and Green Coast Programmes in South Africa.
Stringent criteria
Earning a Blue Flag is no small feat, with 33 stringent criteria to meet, ranging from water quality to environmental education, accessibility, and visitor facilities. The award highlights the dedication of local municipalities, tourism operators, marinas, and volunteers in educating, advocating, and acting for the beauty and biodiversity of the country’s coastlines.
“Today, we celebrate beaches, marinas, and tourism boat operators that have met the stringent requirements for Blue Flag and Green Coast status, as well as the passionate people behind these efforts,” said WESSA CEO Cindy-Lee Cloete.
“WESSA’s Blue Flag and Green Coast Programmes work collaboratively with these partners to address critical environmental issues affecting coastal environmental management, sustainable coastal tourism, and the well-being of people who enjoy these eco-systems. These initiatives, inspire responsible tourism and showcase the vital role communities play in caring for our natural spaces.” She said.
This year’s ceremony celebrates great achievements and aims to encourage greater collaboration and innovation. For example, the V&A Waterfront is making efforts to reduce marine litter by installing stormwater outlet litter traps.
Grow, protect, respect and use marine resource
David Green, CEO of V&A Waterfront says businesses have a responsibility to identify, grow, protect, respect, and use marine resources for the benefit of the public and the environment.
“We’re strategically positioned to merge positive socio-economic and environmental impacts. Our goal is to expand ocean education and awareness through this awards platform and demonstrate improved practices in nature conservation, while responsibly sustaining the intersection between city and sea.
The Green Coast Awards applaud local conservation heroes and municipalities for good environmental management and the promotion of nature-based tourism. Through the programme, communities have mobilised to collaborate with local authorities to monitor mangroves and estuary health, host environmental learning, participate in Bio-blitz, coastal clean-ups, and campaigns for the protection of vital ecosystems. Their efforts reflect the power of collective action in coastal conservation, which in turn is promoting local eco-tourism and job creation opportunities.
As part of WESSA’s advocacy efforts, these Awards also provide a platform for citizen science monitoring projects (such as water quality testing and biodiversity surveys), local community activism, and environmental education, empowering individuals to take action in protecting South Africa’s coastlines.
Click here for more information on Blue Flag and Green Coast sites.
Click here for the list of beaches, marinas, and tourism boat operators you can visit in South Africa.
