WESSA Coastal Newsletter March 2021

Green Coast

About the Green Coast Programme

Green Coast is a WESSA coastal award that was developed to recognise wild, less developed coastal areas that aim to protect species, habitats and cultural heritage.

Green Coast aims to promote sustainable tourism on the natural coastline of South Africa while protecting habitat, species or cultural heritage through monitoring programmes. A Green Coast site is not just another stretch of protected coastline but rather a platform for collaboration, innovation and local public participation. Where possible, all Green Coast sites should aim to include a local residents association or public group who are able to mobilise active citizens to participate in the management of the site. The South African coastline represents a unique part of our countries diverse heritage. It is a space that should be accessible for all of our citizens and a space that we all should be immensely proud of. Green Coast aims to provide the platform for this by improving access, awareness and pride in sensitive coastal spaces around our country. The responsibility of managing these sites does not sit with local government alone, but with every citizen that inevitably relies on this resource. The Green Coast award is an excellent opportunity for local citizens to act and become involved in efforts to improve and protect our incredible coastline. Joining Green Coast offers many benefits: · Promotion of sustainable tourism · Formal monitoring of Green Coast themes (species/habitat/cultural heritage) · Coastal environmental management · Building partnerships between municipalities and private organisations · Promoting citizen science · Recognition for effective coastal management