In the past weeks, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and Ambjent Malta (AM) continued conservation and rehabilitation works in area known as il-Qala ta’ Santa Marija and in other natural sites in Comino.
As part of this work that started in 2017, this year these entities are working on the restoration of the marshland in the area, with the setting up of two freshwater and brackish water ponds near il-Qala ta’ Santa Marija. This was done in order to restore the environment of this area, which naturally attracts many species of flora and fauna, including migratory birds. At the same time, around 1,000 trees and shrubs were planted further adding to those planted in previous years. ERA and Ambjent Malta have contributed to the planting of around 18,000 trees and shrubs on this island in the past five years.
Ambjent Malta and ERA officials have also continued the long-term cleaning and maintenance programme for the other ecologically important sites such as Santa Marija and the Blue Lagoon area. This year, a number of old electricity poles in the Wied l-Aħmar area were removed, a number of demolished rubble walls were rebuilt, wooden fencing around the island’s sand dunes was repaired to prevent trampling, various bulky waste was removed, and a number of invasive alien species which had been introduced to Comino over the years have been removed.
The two water habitats which were created in the Santa Marija area have been positioned amongst plants and trees in order to restore the natural brackish water habitats that were once present in the area. ERA and Ambjent Malta are working to gradually restore this site to its natural state. Water habitats are very rare in our country and therefore require every possible form of protection. Prior to these works, this location was being used as a campsite. A new campsite had been created for those who like to go camping in Comino without causing any environmental damage, the campsite is located within an area close by known as Tal-Ful. Ambjent Malta is also working towards setting up new and sustainable sanitary facilities by next year.
This year in addition to ongoing works, ERA has continued to increase its presence on Comino with enforcement officers, especially during the summer months, in order to discourage environmental damage to the natural sites of this island. These officers have helped to reduce the amounts of waste dumped irresponsibly and guided those visiting the island not to walk beyond the established paths.
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Comino is the third largest island in the Maltese archipelago. A number of smaller islets are found close to it, namely, Kemmunett, il-Ħaġriet ta’ bejn il-Kmiemen and l-Iskoll ta’ Taħt il-Mazz. The island and its nearby islets are rich in biodiversity, as you will find several rare and endangered species. The islands are protected under national environmental laws, as well as European laws such as those for Natura 2000 sites.
ERA and Ambjent Malta works in Comino are based on a Management Plan which ensures that the habitats and the different species on this island are conserved, and where necessary improved. This plan was drawn up after a long-term consultation and research process, in the past years.
16 November 2022
