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THERE is no doubt that residents of Nelson Mandela Bay are very fortunate when it comes to scenery, nature and hiking spots, It is no wonder the bay can brag with no less than 11 trails assessed for green flag status 

Green Flag Trails is an international standard for trail accreditation, to enhance public awareness of and confidence in trails. The system ensures well-managed and environmentally accountable trails remain a valued and ongoing resource for access to nature, recreation and trail sports, health and tourism and the many benefits trails offer local communities.

The system is designed to meet the needs of trail users in relation to trail information, difficulty grading and skills and trail classification. Green Flag Trails is also a tool for trail managers who wish to receive objective trail assessments and to have their trail recognized as being under responsible management.

The four main criteria of an accredited Green Trail are the following:

– Responsible Management

– Accurate Trail Information

– Environmental Accountability

– Risk and Safety Monitoring

For more information on the Green Flag Trails visit: https://worldtrailsnetwork.org/green-flag-trails/ 

Nelson Mandela Bay Hiking Trails assessed for green flag status: 

•       Aloe Trail

https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/aloe_trail.html 

•       Coastal Fynbos Trail

https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/coastal_fynbos_trail.html

•       Groot Kloof Nature Reserve Trails https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/grootkloof_environmental_centre_and_hiking_trail.html

•       Grysbok trail

https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/grysbok_reserve.html 

•       Lady Slipper Hiking Trail

https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/falcon_rock.html

•       Lower Guinea Fowl Hiking Trail (Settlerspark)

https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/guinea_fowl_trail.html

•       Maitlands Nature Reserve Hiking Trails

https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/maitland_nature_reserve.html 

•       Roseate Tern Hiking Trail – Cape Recife

https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/trail_of_the_roseate_tern.html

•       The Sacramento Hiking Trail

https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/cannon_sacramento_trail.html 

•       Van Der Kemps Kloof

https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/van_der_kemps_kloof_nature_reserve.html

•       Van Stadens Wildflower Reserve Trails https://www.nmbt.co.za/listing/van_stadens_wild_flower_reserve.html

The launch of Green Flag Trails is set to take place at the Van Stadens Flower Festival on October 22,  2023

(info from https://www.nmbt.co.za/)