ABSTRACT
South Africa was the first country outside of Europe to implement the Blue Flag (in 2001). This management program has made it possible for municipalities to improve the environmental quality of urban beaches, attracting tourism, which constitutes an essential revenue. The Blue Flag, however, has been known globally to fall short of achieving all set goals of environmental education, management, water quality, and safety and services. Given these shortfalls, research was conducted in 2013–2014 by various authors to evaluate the status of the management program in South Africa. Since 2015, and following the guidelines stemming from the research conducted, the management of the Blue Flag has undergone considerable changes. This chapter analyzes, through a qualitative research approach, the evolution of Blue Flag South Africa, with a focus on the last decade. The qualitative research approach includes a study of web-based information and scientific papers published on the Blue Flag in South Africa. The data collected were used to argue that, despite some challenges, Blue Flag managers in South Africa have implemented the guidelines provided, and that the Blue Flag in the country remains a positive program of environmental management and social engagement, also contributing to Sustainable Development Goals.
