BirdLife Malta “deeply concerned” over approval of Comino project

BirdLife Malta said that it is “deeply concerned” about the Planning Authority’s approval of a large tourism development on Comino, despite “serious unanswered environmental questions.”

The Planning Authority approved a 140-room hotel and 16 serviced bungalows at San Niklaw and Santa Marija bays, replacing older structures. The plan includes 44 swimming pools, two new jetties and increases the built-up area by 2,360m². The NGO highlighted that it adds 44 more guests- not counting spa users, day visitors or restaurant patrons.

BirdLife Malta said that the application was approved by 8 votes to 1,” with the Ghajnsielem Local Council the only voice of opposition.” Among the many objections raised, BirdLife Malta Head of Conservation, Nicholas Barbara questioned the sustainability of the project.

He stressed that neither the impact assessment nor the project architects explained how many extra daily visitors the hotel would attract, especially during the peak summer months at the already overcrowded Blue Lagoon and Santa Marija Bay.

BirdLife Malta said that “the developers dismissed the question, claiming the hotel would not bring more people than those who already visit. This ignores the cumulative impact such a development will have on the Natura 2000 site. Worryingly, no board member questioned this further before proceeding with the vote.”

The NGO also pointed out that no carrying capacity study for Comino has been made public, despite this being a legal requirement under its management plan. The sewage treatment plant for the development also remains unapproved.

Environment NGOs, including BirdLife Malta, will be appealing the decision, which BLM said, “clearly places commercial interests ahead of the long-term protection and proper management of Comino.”

File photo