Comino, a tiny island located off the coast of Malta, has become a focal point of concern due to the excessive influx of tourists, dramatically impacting its delicate ecosystem and environment. With up to 10,000 visitors arriving daily during the summer months, the situation has escalated to what campaigners describe as a “disaster” area, plagued by litter, noise pollution, and an alarming rise in the rat population.

Once celebrated for its stunning Blue Lagoon, frequently dubbed “the most beautiful spot in the Mediterranean” by Malta’s tourism authority, Comino’s charm is now overshadowed by the challenges posed by overtourism. Reports from the Birmingham Mail indicate that the picturesque cove has transformed into a crowded space where hundreds of tourists compete for limited space, resulting in a chaotic environment. André Callus, a representative from Moviment Graffitti, expressed that the situation is “unbearable,” with commercial boat operators ferrying large crowds from nearby locations like Sliema to the island.

The consequences of this surge in tourism are evident. The island is now home to numerous makeshift bars, which contribute to the littering problem. Mark Sultana, chief executive officer of BirdLife Malta, stated that the environment is suffering due to the trampling of vegetation and the waste produced by thousands of visitors. He noted, “there’s now a rodent infestation” threatening local wildlife, including birds and lizards. The area’s state has been likened to “some run-down favela in some forsaken country,” illustrating the extent of degradation, as highlighted by various locals in letters to the media.

Activists, including Moviment Graffitti, are rallying for significant changes to the management of Comino. In 2022, they staged a protest where they removed sun loungers and parasols to draw attention to the problems caused by the relentless commercialisation of the island. Those from Gozo and Malta have expressed their frustrations, stating that Comino has become so overwhelmed by visitors that local residents no longer frequent the island. Callus noted that the island has been overtaken by “intense commercial interests,” with 11 kiosks operating in such a small area, all focused on maximising profit.

The Maltese government is in a challenging position as it attempts to balance tourism—which significantly contributes to the nation’s economy, accounting for about 15% of its GDP—with the need to protect Comino’s natural beauty. Ian Borg, the Maltese minister for tourism, has suggested a proposal to reduce the number of daily visitors from 10,000 to 5,000. This would require coordination with commercial boat operators to monitor passenger numbers and trips made each day.

Meanwhile, some campaigners are urging for a stricter enforcement of Comino’s status as a nature reserve, advocating for daily waste removal and a tourist cap to preserve the island’s ecological integrity. With Malta’s total visitation numbers reaching 3.6 million last year, there are growing concerns that the rise in tourism is exacerbating environmental issues across the nation, which is home to only around 500,000 residents.

Mark Sultana has articulated the need for the current state of Comino to serve as an awakening for policymakers and developers: “The cow has been milked for too long,” he stated, pointing to a broader dialogue about sustainable tourism practices in Malta. The ongoing challenges faced by Comino encapsulate a significant conflict between environmental stewardship and economic interests on the popular holiday island.

Source: Noah Wire Services