Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg, met with environmental NGOs engaged in initiatives to protect the biodiversity and cultural heritage of Comino, as the Government continues to hold stakeholder consultations focusing on the long-term ecological rehabilitation of the Blue Lagoon. 

On Tuesday evening, Dr Borg met with volunteers from Friends of the Earth Malta, Birdlife Malta and Din l-Art Ħelwa, to learn more about their ongoing initiatives at Comino. 

Earlier this year, the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), Team Blue Lagoon and internationally acclaimed architecture and design practice Mizzi Studio, launched consultations with all Blue Lagoon stakeholders, including e-NGOs, public entities and business organisations, to deliver long-term rehabilitation proposals for the preservation of this Natura 2000 site, embedding ecological balance and sustainable public access in all the processes. Tuesday's meetings were another opportunity to continue discussing these proposals, which will be opened for public consultation in coming weeks.

At Comino's old bakery, members of Friends of the Earth Malta guided the Deputy Prime Minister through the site, explaining the ongoing works to restore it and convert it into an environmental education hub celebrating the island's unique natural and cultural heritage. More broadly, this initiative will foster community engagement and promote site sensitive visitor activities.

"Over the years, Comino was allowed to be degraded by a system with which short-term profit overrode good governance. We are now seeing encouraging changes and plans for the future. With all stakeholders working together, we can protect this gem of an island. With the right measures, the Blue Lagoon can become a model of sustainable stewardship, safeguarding nature while enhancing the visitor experience for tourists and locals," said the organisation's director, Martin Galea de Giovanni.

Representatives of Birdlife Malta noted that Comino is a designated Bird Sanctuary, apart from being a Natura 2000 site. In collaboration with environmental authorities, the organisation conducts bird migration studies at Wied l-Aħmar, and studies the island's colonies of Yelkouan Shearwater and Scopoli's Shearwater, among other environmental efforts.

"For decades, BirdLife Malta has insisted on sustainable practices on Comino. Waste management has always been a major concern. We are hoping that proper planning, better control and the recent positive approach on the Blue Lagoon by the Ministry of Tourism would lead to a solution to this problem," said Birdlife Malta Chief Executive Officer Mark Sultana.

Borg's visit to Comino ended at the Santa Marija Tower, where Din l-Art Ħelwa volunteers explained how they have been entrusted with its guardianship in 2002, working on its restoration and upkeep, while keeping it open to the public.

"We look forward to having a more organised, wholesome and sustainable arrangement for visitors to the Blue Lagoon. To this end, the Santa Marija tower has immense potential to meaningfully enhance visitors' experiences at Comino and the Blue Lagoon. This is particularly true for the more discerning tourists, and our volunteers are very keen to expand and further curate such experiences. We look forward to collaborating further on the Blue Lagoon project," said Din l-Art Ħelwa's Executive President Patrick Calleja.

Borg praised the efforts of the e-NGOs and urged all stakeholders to remain actively engaged in supporting the long-term sustainability of the Blue Lagoon.

"This summer, through the on-site Team Blue Lagoon initiatives, we have already taken the first steps forward. The results are encouraging - this summer visitor concentration was reduced by 68%. We are eager to intensify our collaboration with all concerned, to implement the required interventions for the site's rehabilitation. We look forward to sharing these proposals with the public, inviting everyone to be part of this national drive to preserve and protect the Blue Lagoon, ensuring it remains a place we can all enjoy responsibly, for generations to come," Dr Borg stated.

At the Blue Lagoon,  Borg also met with Malta Tourism Authority's Team Blue Lagoon, to discuss the multi-pronged improvements launched early this summer. He thanked all the entities and contractors supporting this initiative, including the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, Transport Malta, the Environment and Resources Authority, the Police, LESA, and the Civil Protection Department. 

The Deputy Prime Minister was accompanied by the Malta Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer, Carlo Micallef, Team Blue Lagoon Director Aldo Pace, and Mizzi Studio Director, Perit Jonathan Mizzi.