Moviment Graffitti has written a letter to five ministers, demanding that they address the ‘theft’ of Comino’s Blue Lagoon.
The letter was sent to Minister for Tourism Clayton Bartolo, Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, Minister for Public Works and Planning Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and Minister for the Economy, EU Funds and Lands Silvio Schembri.
In the letter, Moviment Graffitti draw attention to the “ecological disaster currently unfolding on Comino, a repetition of disasters of previous years, particularly in the summer season.”
This ruinous state of affairs has destroyed the unique, precious and fragile natural state of the Natura 2000 site of Cominol, the group said.
In this regard, Moviment Graffitti set forward six urgent demands:
1. Sunbeds and umbrellas should only be rented out on request by persons physically present at the beach and should never occupy more than a stipulated percentage of the beach so as to ensure that public access and enjoyment of the bay and the foreshore is left unencumbered, in conformity with the Public Domain Act. This number should form part of a policy document for Comino in keeping with the recommendations of ERA’s Comino Management Plan (2019).
2. The number of kiosks around the beach should be far more limited to prevent congestion and over-commercialisation of the area and must form part of a policy document for Comino, also in keeping with the recommendations of the Comino Management Plan. It must be urgently ensured that kiosks sell drinks in biodegradable material and that straws are also biodegradable.
3. Any commercial activity around Blue Lagoon must operate on the basis of permits issued by the government which cover a financial contribution for the upkeep of the bay. Commercial operators that do not abide by established rules should see their permits revoked.
4. Government must take urgent action to ensure the upkeep and proper patrolling of the island of Comino including but not only distributing rubbish bins in the appropriate areas and making sure rangers have the authority to enforce the rules in place.
5. Urgently abolish music from kiosks and boats and loud generators.
6. Urgently launch work on a policy document for Comino which includes carrying capacity in keeping with the recommendations of the Comino Management Plan. This policy must prohibit large ferries (such as catamarns) from entering Blue Lagoon and place a limit on the amount of ferries that can daily enter the bay.