The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) is preparing the update of the Conservation Objectives and Measures for the Comino Natura 2000 site, so that they reflect the current ecological conditions and management priorities, said Environment Minister Miriam Dalli.

The Minister added that this is being done in relation to the Habitats Directive and includes coordination between the Authority and the relevant entities, and also involves a public consultation which is expected to take place in 2026.

Minister Dalli was replying to a Parliamentary Question tabled by Opposition MP Chris Said on the type of work that her Ministry would be carrying out on Comino in the near future, and which entity or authority would be doing the work including the start and completion dates.

The Environment Minister said that the ERA is also working on specific interventions to restore the wells in Qala ta’ Santa Marija, which is a biodiversity-sensitive area, as well as taking care of the logistical aspect related to the works in the Tal-Ful area. Since the beginning of this month, ERA has also started taking care of the public toilet located in this same area by providing an attendant service to take care of these facilities.

In a coordinated manner with the priorities established by ERA, Minister Dalli explained that Ambjent Malta is also intervening on Comino where it focuses mainly on natural restoration.

“This is work that needs to be sustained over a period of years and includes, among others, the removal of unused poles, the planting of various trees and shrubs, the installation of an irrigation system that also includes water storage tanks, the construction and repair of rubble walls, the installation and maintenance of wooden fences, the removal of alien and invasive species, as well as general cleaning,” said the Minister.

Minister Dalli concluded by saying that during the next year, the Water Services Corporation will also be intervening on Comino, and will be replacing the above-ground reservoir.

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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