Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay has world-class hiking trails with breathtaking views. Photo: Ewald Stander
Plettenberg Bay and Knysna’s Robberg and Goukamma nature reserves are not only popular tourist attractions, but recently became some of the first tourism products in Southern Africa to receive eco certification by Ecotourism Australia.
CapeNature’s Robberg and Goukamma as well as Kogelberg, near Betty’s Bay in the Western Cape, were awarded the prestigious certification by the Australian tourism body this week.
The certification programme was developed to address the need to identify genuine nature and ecotourism operators and is guided by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria.
“The eco certification is a huge honour for CapeNature. Ecotourism is very important to advance our sustainability. The valuable role of tourism is widely recognised in the organisation and is receiving the necessary attention and support,” CapeNature chief executive Dr Razena Omar said.
The certification is a top stamp of approval, which assures travellers that these reserves are backed by a strong, well-managed commitment to sustainable practices and provide high-quality nature-based tourism experiences.
Eco certification is product-specific, which means an organisation would need to answer the criteria as it applies specifically to each of its products. This also means an organisation is able to apply for eco certification even if not all of its products are nature based.
Goukamma was given the certification for its top-notch self-catering accommodation, while Robberg received it for its world-class hiking trails.
“This is a significant achievement and a clear demonstration to CapeNature’s stakeholders that the Goukamma, Kogelberg and Robberg nature reserves are responsible members of South Africa’s tourism industry; who have embraced the principles of ecotourism to bring benefit to the community, the culture and to the environment while providing enjoyable and meaningful experiences for their visitors,” said Ecotourism Australia chief executive Rod Hilman.
“I commend the leadership in becoming the first organisation within South Africa to gain eco certification. This demonstrates CapeNature’s clear resolve to lead and ‘show the way’ for others to follow and bring its associated benefits to the people, the place and your visitors.”
Omar said as the custodians of the Western Cape’s biopersity, CapeNature recognised the need to develop products and recreational activities that leverage the area’s natural assets in such a way that protected areas become sought-after tourist destinations and become more accessible and attractive to the greater portion of the population.
