Local NGO Nadur Nadif, has once again highlighted the fact that Comino, a designated Natura 2000 site, a Special Area of Conservation, and a Special Protected Area, “appears to have been left abandoned.”

The statement issued on Monday follows on from one in August when eight NGOs, including Nadur Nadif, argued that “although Comino is protected under numerous policies, there is no vision and parts of it have fallen victim to “negligence, shabbiness, and lack of enforcement.”

Nadur Nadif said that on Saturday the group undertook another clean-up effort around the area of the Blue Lagoon, “only to witness first-hand the detrimental impact of the island’s economic model on the environment.”

“During this clean-up we managed to increase the total number of garbage bags collected from the island from 242 to 251,” the NGO said.

It said that “since our last visit to the island on the 9th of August, the situation unfortunately remains unchanged.”The NGO stated that “the area surrounding the primary touristic site is still marred by a sea of discarded cigarettes, microplastics, takeaway containers, and even pineapples.”

“While we know that the cleaners are undoubtedly doing their best to cope with the daily influx of waste, the sheer volume of garbage generated on the island is overwhelming,” the group said.

Nadur Nadif, stressed that “this situation is a cause for concern, especially considering that seven years ago, ERA had issued the Natura 2000 Management Plan for Comino. This plan clearly emphasised the importance of conducting a carrying capacity assessment to provide guidance for effective area management.”

It pointed out that “according to the plan, this assessment should have been initiated after the first year of implementing the management plan period, but regrettably, no action has been taken.”Moreover, the NGO said that the Management Plan also stressed the significance of regulating access to specific parts of the island to safeguard its flora and fauna, as well as to prevent conflicting activities, such as water sports, kiosks, and the rental of umbrellas and deckchairs on certain areas around the island.

Nadur Nadif went on to say that “this situation highlights the fact that the current system on Comino is woefully inadequate, with a primary focus on economic considerations. This lack of comprehensive planning not only harms the environment due to increased noise, light, and overall pollution but also has negative economic consequences.”

The “unattractive and rundown state” of the so-called “touristic” areas on the island is deterring visitors. “So, it is imperative that we establish a holistic plan for the island promptly, as the current situation is unsustainable and should not persist for another year,” said Nadur Nadif.

In pursuit of this goal, the NGO said it has already held a meeting with the Ministry for Gozo, and another meeting is scheduled with the Ministries of Tourism and Environment.

Nadur Nadif stated that, “our main objective by the upcoming summer is to transform Comino into a plastic-free zone and to exert pressure on the authorities to finally implement the Natura 2000 management plan for the island.”

“Let’s be the solution to the conservation of these sites and not the problem!”

Photos: Nadur Nadif

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