CapeNature's Walker Bay recognised for sustainable coastal management

CapeNature’s Walker Bay Nature Reserve has been recognised once again for its outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable coastal management, receiving a prestigious Green Coast Award from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) for the 2025/26 season.

This accolade was announced during the national Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards ceremony held in Port Alfred, co-hosted by WESSA and the Ndlambe Municipality.

The annual event celebrates excellence in coastal management, environmental education, and nature-based tourism along South Africa’s coastline. The Green Coast Programme, developed by WESSA, acknowledges natural, less-developed coastal sites that maintain environmental integrity while promoting responsible tourism and community involvement. Sites are selected based on their commitment to conservation, eco-tourism initiatives, and the protection of coastal biodiversity.

Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature, expressed pride in the recognition: "Walker Bay continues to be one of the flagship provincial reserves and the Green Coast Award builds on the recognition Die Plaat Beach received last year after being named on Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious list of Best Beaches in the World. Recognition like this reinforces CapeNature’s ongoing commitment to conserving our coastal ecosystems while ensuring that local communities benefit from nature-based tourism."

Walker Bay, located between Hermanus and Gansbaai, is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its historical significance. Archaeological evidence indicates that Middle Stone Age people inhabited Klipgat Cave between 65,000 and 85,000 years ago, with further evidence of Khoi and San people living in the area around 2,000 years ago.

The reserve is renowned for its rich coastal and marine life, making it one of the best spots in South Africa for land-based whale watching. Each year, southern right whales gather in the sheltered bay to breed and calve their young. Its inclusion in the national Green Coast network underscores CapeNature’s ongoing efforts to balance conservation with responsible visitor access and education.

As WESSA marks 99 years of “People Caring for the Earth,” CapeNature’s recognition under the Green Coast Programme serves as both an honour and a call to continue its mission of connecting people with nature, fostering stewardship, learning, and shared responsibility for the environment.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus