V&A awarded Blue Flag status for Waterfront Marina

V&A Waterfront Marina recognised for excellence in safety, amenities, cleanliness and meeting environmental standards

The V&A Waterfront Marina has been awarded Blue Flag status for the 2023/2024 season by The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA).

This is the fifth year in a row that the iconic Waterfront Marina has been recognised with Blue Flag certification, recognising its commitment to sustainable tourism and preservation of the marine ecosystem in Cape Town.

“We are proud to once again be recognised for our commitment in ensuring high standards of sustainability as well as the responsible management of our marine environment,” said V&A Andre Blaine, V&A Waterfront Executive Manager: Marine & Industrial.

Blue Flag, led by WESSA in partnership with the National Department of Tourism, is one of the longest running national coastal conservation and tourism programmes in the country. It is a world-renowned eco-label that is awarded to beaches, marinas and tourism operators that meet its stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria demonstrating environmental sustainability.

South Africa was the first country outside Europe to be granted Blue Flag accreditation for its beaches, and the programme, now in its 20th year, is locally managed by WESSA.

“Achieving Blue Flag status strengthens our proposition of being the most sustainable marina in South Africa and adds to our many green accolades over the years. The V&A is proud to be one of Africa’s greenest precincts, with Diamond Status (through the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme).

“There are 22 buildings in our precinct with Green Star Ratings from the Green Building Council of SA. The Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre has a 5-star rating, making it South Africa’s greenest shopping centre, with the health of our waters a critical part of the visitor experience of the Waterfront.” said Blaine.