Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Comino Island: Mediterranean Beauty Besieged by Overtourism and Rat Infestation
Comino, a diminutive Maltese island once celebrated as a Mediterranean gem and Instagram hotspot, is now grappling with severe overtourism, transforming the locale into what activists describe as a “rat-infested nightmare” resembling a “run-down favela.” Renowned for its stunning azure waters and the iconic Blue Lagoon, this once idyllic destination is facing environmental strain and degradation due to an influx of visitors.
Paradise Lost? Comino’s Descent from Idyllic Haven
Comino’s fame, propelled by social media influencers and its cinematic appearances in Hollywood productions like Troy, has backfired. Despite being lauded as the “most beautiful spot in the Mediterranean” by Malta’s tourism authorities, the island is suffering under the weight of excessive tourism, according to conservation groups.
Daily Tourist Influx and Environmental Impact
During peak summer months, throngs of tourists, numbering up to 10,000 daily, are ferried to Comino, overwhelming the small island and its famed Blue Lagoon. This daily deluge leads to overcrowding and significant environmental strain.
Litter, Noise Pollution, and Wildlife Concerns
Makeshift bars and kiosks, catering to the tourist crowds, contribute to the problem. Loud music and the widespread disposal of food and drink containers create substantial litter, providing sustenance for a rapidly growing rat population. This pollution mars the natural beauty and disrupts the delicate ecosystem of the protected nature reserve and bird sanctuary.
Campaigners Fight to Protect Comino’s Natural Heritage
Concerned Maltese campaigners are actively working to safeguard Comino from further damage. Organizations like Moviment Graffitti are advocating for radical changes in the island’s management to mitigate the adverse effects of mass tourism.
Protests and Calls for Sustainable Tourism
In a notable 2022 demonstration, Moviment Graffitti protested against the unchecked commercialization of Comino by physically removing unauthorized sun loungers and parasols from the Blue Lagoon area, highlighting the issue of over-commercialization.
Voices of Concern: Locals Decry “Unbearable” Situation
Andre Callus, a member of Moviment Graffitti, described the current state of Comino as “unbearable” for both locals and the environment. He stated, “For the people of Gozo and Malta, it’s a nightmare, and they don’t go there anymore. Comino has been taken over by intense commercial interests… They want to extract as much profit as possible from the island.”
Local residents have echoed these sentiments, expressing dismay at the island’s decline. One resident lamented that the Blue Lagoon now resembles a “run-down favela,” while another declared the once “beautiful island has been turned into a circus.”
Government Efforts and Proposed Solutions
The Maltese government is attempting to balance the economic benefits of tourism, a vital sector contributing 15% to the nation’s GDP, with the urgent need to preserve Comino’s natural environment.
Visitor Limits and Infrastructure Improvements Proposed
Former Tourism Minister Ian Borg proposed reducing the daily visitor cap from 10,000 to 5,000. Plans to enforce this limit involve monitoring commercial boat operators. Additionally, the government has pledged to reassess the number of permitted bars and install public restroom facilities to improve basic amenities and reduce environmental impact.
Calls for Stricter Conservation Measures
However, conservation groups like Birdlife Malta advocate for stricter measures. They urge that Comino’s protected status as a nature reserve be genuinely respected through daily rubbish removal, stricter limits on tourist numbers, and a focus on sustainable tourism practices.
Comino as a Microcosm of Malta’s Tourism Challenges
Comino’s plight exemplifies the broader challenges facing Malta. The island nation, with a population of just over 500,000, received a staggering 3.6 million tourists last year. This influx has led to extensive coastal development, which environmentalists warn is causing irreversible damage to Malta’s natural landscape.
Wake-Up Call for Sustainable Tourism
Mark Sultana, CEO of BirdLife Malta, hopes the deteriorating condition of the Blue Lagoon will serve as a “wake-up call” for policymakers and developers, emphasizing the urgent need for a more sustainable approach to tourism in Malta before it’s too late.