Gozitan NGO criticises Tourism Minister’s inaction on Comino

Gozitan NGO Għawdix criticised Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo for failing to deliver on promises for Comino’s management, highlighting ongoing issues with plastic waste, sunbeds, and inadequate enforcement despite the island’s protected status.

Għawdix inspected Comino on 13 July and 3 August to assess whether the promised changes had been implemented. While they noted some improvements, persistent environmental and management issues remained. Their findings reveal inadequate efforts to address the island’s challenges.

The NGO shared its findings on social media, noting enforcement was inadequate, with no presence from Transport Malta, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), Visit Malta or the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) on 13 July from 8am to 10 am.

On 3 August, only one Visit Malta officer was present at around 10am. Għawdix deemed this insufficient, emphasising that the quantity-over-quality approach to tourism on Comino required better enforcement.

The NGO raised concerns about the use of the foreshore on a Natura 2000 site for sunbeds, which has destroyed local flora. Sunbeds were set up as early as 8am on both days of the NGO’s visit.

Għawdix pointed out that the ERA’s Natura 2000 Management Plan for Comino, published eight years ago, called for a tourism carrying capacity assessment, which remains unimplemented.

Despite Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo’s pledge that a comprehensive plan would be in place by summer 2024, plans have remained shelved.

Għawdix pointed out the minister’s assurances that the garigue would be protected and sunbeds placed only on rocks, but photographic evidence from their visits contradicts this claim.

The NGO noted that previous efforts and press releases have had limited impact, highlighting the need for more robust enforcement and proactive measures.

The organisation acknowledged some positive developments. Għawdix commended the increase in waste management infrastructure, noting the addition of more bins around the island and the use of visible stickers indicating the type of waste, making waste separation easier. It also praised the work of cleaners on site.

Members also observed reduced noise pollution from kiosks.

However, the NGO also noted plastic and other single-use waste remained a problem, especially around the Blue Lagoon.

Għawdix stressed that despite previous clean-up efforts, including the removal of over 210 garbage bags from iconic locations and ongoing dialogue with governmental bodies, substantial progress remains elusive. The NGO urged all stakeholders to take swift and collaborative action to address these challenges.

Għawdix emphasised that Comino’s approach to tourism should prioritise quality over quantity, ensuring sustainable practices that preserve the island’s natural beauty and heritage.