Robben Island has a rich biodiversity, this includes over 150 species of wildlife and a colony of 1200 pairs of endangered African penguins. We are committed to environmental monitoring, research and conservation in ensuring healthier ecosystems and sustainable tourism.
Conserving Water
Robben Island has a desalinisation plant which is located within the village precinct to the south-east of the island. The desalination plant at Robben Island produces up to 500 000 litres of potable water per day.
Using Energy Efficiently
Robben Island went green in 2017 with the installation of a solar photovoltaic (PV) mini-grid which has the capacity of generating 666.4 kilo Watt peak (kWp) of clean energy. This PV plant is supported by 828-kilowatt hours (kWh) battery storage – enabling the use of solar energy on cloudy days and at night.
Universal access
What makes us unique, is our passion for community development through our various flagship programmes such as Destination Development in partnership with the Department of Tourism and our concession policy which addresses accessibility to the Island for previously disadvantaged groups. All this makes it possible for us to welcome over 300 000 visitors per annum.
Building Communities | Developing Skills | Supporting Enterprise Development
Under the Destination Development programme, RIM has assisted in forming a cooperative of 15 people, some of whom are Ex-Political Prisoner Spouses and the produce RIM inspired curios which will be sold through our curio shops. The programme invested in skills development and business management skills to empower them to manage their business and be sustainable in the long run.
We employ over 200 people and thus contributing towards job creation and the tourism economy at large through our additional hospitality services an employment opportunities. Over the years, RIM has transformed into a place of long-life debate with drones of youth being hosted annually for RIM Youth Camps and various educational programmes. There is a bursary opportunity for post graduate scholars in heritage related studies or social sciences that RIM offers.
