Robben Island Museum (RIM), in collaboration with the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages, and other strategic partners, will commemorate the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup Day on 19 September 2026.
Robben Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated within one of the busiest ports in the world, the Port of Cape Town. The Island’s surrounding marine environment is exposed to pollution arising from fishing, recreational activities, shipping, and other human activities occurring within the inshore and nearshore waters. Marine debris transported by ocean currents and prevailing winds eventually accumulates along the Island’s coastline.
The accumulation of marine debris poses a significant threat to the Island’s biodiversity, particularly seabirds and other coastal wildlife. Plastic, fishing gear, ropes, and other forms of marine debris can cause entanglement, ingestion, injury, and mortality among wildlife.
Regular coastal cleanup activities are therefore essential to reduce the impacts of marine pollution and protect Robben Island’s sensitive coastal and marine ecosystems. Through this collaborative initiative, RIM and its partners aim to remove more than two tonnes of marine debris from the Island’s shoreline, with the participation of approximately 150 volunteers.
The cleanup will not only contribute to improving the ecological condition of Robben Island’s coastline but will also promote environmental awareness, stakeholder collaboration, and the responsible management of marine resources.
The initiative demonstrates the shared commitment of all partners to biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and the protection of the natural heritage of Robben Island, while contributing to broader efforts to address marine pollution along the South African coastline.
“This initiative is instrumental in supporting the RIM Integrated Management Plan (IMP 2024–29), which seeks to minimise risks to wildlife and habitats, as well as to the built environment on Robben Island. It is an effort not only to address the impacts of climate change on our environment, wildlife, and marine species, but also to encourage environmentally responsible practices. These efforts contribute to the preservation of endangered wildlife species, including the Critically Endangered African penguin.” says RIM Chief Executive Officer, Ms Leanne Williams.
“Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages has become a driving force locally to reduce packaging waste through collection, collaboration, innovation and regular community clean-up operations. The coastal clean-up on Robben Island this weekend, connects to our World Without Waste ambition, working with a powerful network of partners and stakeholders to achieve this.” said Priscilla Urquhart, Head of Public Affairs, Communication and Sustainability at CCPB.
“We all need to play a bigger role in actively ensuring that waste is minimised. As a local business, we remain committed to continually raising awareness around plastic waste and recycling, innovating around reducing plastic in our production and operations, and educating consumers on responsible behaviour towards a cleaner environment and making a difference that matters,” added Urquhart.
The Coastal Cleanup activity will take approximately three hours around the entire coastline of the island. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and refreshments will be provided to all participants. As a gesture of appreciation for their participation and contribution, volunteers will also be treated to a private tour of the former prison on Robben Island before departing back to mainland Cape Town.