‘An Island With No Vision’: Activists Return To Clear Comino From Waste And Pineapple Plague
Over the last weekend, the Gozo-based NGO Nadur Nadif returned to the island of Comino for yet another clean up – and since August, the situation has not changed.
“Comino, a designated Natura 2000 site, a Special Area of Conservation, and a Special Protected Area, appears to have been left abandoned,” the NGO said in a statement.
“On 14th October, we undertook another clean-up effort around the area of Blue Lagoon to witness firsthand the detrimental impact of the island’s economic model on the environment.”
During the clean-up, which was carried out by a small group of people, they managed to increase the total number of garbage bags collected from the island to a total of 251.
“However, since our last visit to the island in August, the situation unfortunately remains unchanged. The area surrounding the primary touristic site is still marred by a sea of discarded cigarettes, microplastics, takeaway containers, and even pineapples.”
While Nadur Nadif noted that the cleaners are undoubtedly doing their best to cope with the daily influx of waste, it stated that the sheer volume of garbage which is being generated is overwhelming.
“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.
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 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.
“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,” it said.
“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.”
“In pursuit of this goal, we have already held a meeting with the Ministry for Gozo, and we have another meeting scheduled with the Ministries of Tourism and Environment.”
“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!”
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