BirdLife Malta is deeply concerned about the approval of a large tourism development on Comino, despite serious unanswered environmental questions.
The Planning Authority approved a 140-room hotel and 16 serviced bungalows at San Niklaw and Santa Marija bays, replacing older structures. The plan includes 44 swimming pools, two new jetties and increases the built-up area by 2,360m². It adds 44 more guests—not counting spa users, day visitors or restaurant patrons.
The application was approved by 8 votes to 1, with the Għajnsielem Local Council the only voice of opposition. Among the many objections raised, BirdLife Malta Head of Conservation, Nicholas Barbara questioned the sustainability of the project. He highlighted that neither the impact assessment nor the project architects explained how many extra daily visitors the hotel would attract, especially during the peak summer months at the already overcrowded Blue Lagoon and Santa Marija Bay.
The developers dismissed the question, claiming the hotel would not bring more people than those who already visit. This ignores the cumulative impact such a development will have on the Natura 2000 site. Worryingly, no board member questioned this further before proceeding with the vote.
No carrying capacity study for Comino has been made public, despite this being a legal requirement under its management plan. The sewage treatment plant for the development also remains unapproved.
Environment NGOs, including BirdLife Malta, will be appealing the decision, which clearly places commercial interests ahead of the long-term protection and proper management of Comino.