Ghawdix, in a statement on Monday has highlighted its observations and concerns on the current state of Comino.

“Summer 2024, and we continue pressuring for improvements on Comino, hoping to see progress since our initial efforts last year. On July 13th and August 3rd, we visited the island to evaluate any changes made based on previous promises and commitments,” the NGO said.

It noted that the findings revealed both positive strides and ongoing issues regarding Comino’s current state.

Positive Observations by Ghawdix are:

“Increase in Bins: We commend the increase in bins, aligning with our recommendations. This improvement is a positive step in addressing litter management.

“Waste Type Stickers: All bins are now equipped with visible stickers indicating the type of waste, aiding proper waste segregation. Another suggestion we made.

” Reduced Noise Pollution: Most kiosks on the island refrained from playing music, contributing to a more serene environment for visitors.

“Diligent Cleaners: Cleaners are making efforts to manage the waste being generated.”Negative Observations by Ghawdix are:

“Persistent Plastic Waste: Plastic and other single-use waste remains a significant issue for Comino, especially in the area around the Blue Lagoon.

“Lack of Enforcement: Enforcement is inadequate at Blue Lagoon. On July 13th, from 8:15 to 10:00 am, there was no presence from Transport Malta, ERA, Visit Malta, or MTA. On August 3rd, only one Visit Malta officer was observed at around 10:00 am. We appreciate Visit Malta’s efforts, but this is insufficient. The photos speak for themselves, and the quantity-over-quality approach to tourism on Comino requires greater enforcement.“Foreshore Land Use: The use of the foreshore, a Natura 2000 site, for sunbeds has destroyed the flora that once thrived there, as evidenced by aerial photographs from previous years . Sunbeds were already set up by 8:00am on both days.”

Ghawdix stated that “this situation is alarming, especially considering all the years of activism and awareness by NGOs and the fact that ERA published the Natura 2000 Management Plan for Comino eight years ago”

It stressed that “the plan outlines the importance of implementing a tourism carrying capacity assessment to provide management recommendations. This should have been completed after the first-year implementation of the management plan, but unfortunately, nothing has been done on this aspect.”

Ghawdix went on to say that “regrettably, this plan has never even materialised, despite promises from Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo. Throughout these last few years, following pressure from NGOs and the media, the minister pledged that a plan would be in effect the following year.”

“Although during the meeting we had with the Minister, he had promised that summer 2024 will be different from the mess of previous years, the “holistic plan” remains nonexistent,” said Ghawdix.

It added that, “as the deckchairs were reduced by 65% from Blue Lagoon, these were just transferred to another part of the island, to a site which should have never been used for this type of economic activity.”

“Whilst the minister claimed, “We are making sure that the garigue is protected and that no umbrellas and deckchairs are placed on them but are placed on the rocks,” the photographic evidence clearly shows that this is surely not the priority, with the sunbeds all setup by 8:00am,” the NGO stated.

Despite our previous efforts and press releases highlighting these issues, tangible progress remains limited. Our past clean-up efforts removed over 210 garbage bags from iconic locations, and we have engaged with key governmental bodies to explore actionable solutions. However, the recurrence of these issues underscores the need for more robust enforcement and proactive measures.

We urge all stakeholders to act swiftly and collaboratively to address these challenges. Comino has the potential to attract quality tourism and enrich Malta’s heritage, but only if we preserve its natural beauty and ensure sustainable practices.

Photos Ghawdix: “State of Blue Lagoon on the 13th of July and 3rd August”

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