Comino (Kemmuna) and its surrounding islets are ecological treasures in the Maltese archipelago. Recognised for their rich biodiversity, they have been awarded Natura 2000 status – Europe’s highest environmental protection. Under the EU’s Habitats and Birds Directives, Comino has been designated both a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA). This status makes Comino not just a beautiful destination, but a protected natural reserve.
‘Bejn il-Kmiemen’, popularly known as the ‘Blue Lagoon’, lies between Comino and Cominotto (hence the name, meaning ‘between the Cominos’) and is famed for its crystal-clear blue waters that illustrate Mediterranean beauty. As one of the most frequented tourist spots on the island, it has experienced heavy foot traffic. This heavy commercialisation of the ‘Blue Lagoon’, with unsustainable practices, has taken a toll on the natural environment, increasing ecological concerns.
Beyond the Blue Lagoon, San Niklaw Bay and Santa Maria Bay offer quieter landscapes, while the island’s garigue (low shrubland) hosts unique flora and fauna, with minimal traces of human development. These features highlight Comino’s blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, and the urgent need for sustainable tourism practices. The increase in waste has fuelled a rise in the rat population, which in turn threatens native species like the Yelkouan Shearwater; a protected bird endemic to the region.
Through the project Ditch the Waste – Save Comino FoEM aims to protect Comino’s fragile ecosystem by addressing waste generation, which is one of Comino’s most pressing issues:
- Improving waste separation: We’re installing clearly labelled bins for organic waste, recyclables, and general waste, to make waste disposal easier for visitors.
- Launching the Shared Beach Box: A pilot initiative encouraging beachgoers to reuse items instead of buying disposable plastic products, many of which are often abandoned on the island.
- Introducing the Comino Cup: A reusable cup in collaboration with local vendors, aimed at reducing the need for single-use cups and novelty containers like hollowed-out pineapples which is a major contributor to the rat problem.
- Awareness through audio messaging: In partnership with Il-Forn ta’ Kemmuna, the Malta Environment Foundation, and the Malta Tourism Authority, we’ve developed an onboard audio message played on tourist boats, raising awareness of Comino’s ecological sensitivity.
Garigue is the highest level of vegetation in Malta, and Comino stands as a highly sensitive environmental landmark showcasing this unique ecosystem. Therefore, it is essential to safeguard and preserve it, ensuring that both local and international visitors contribute to its protection. By doing so, future generations can continue to appreciate Comino’s rich biodiversity, including its endemic flora and fauna.
