Moviment Graffitti has launched "Comino Watch", calling on the public to immediately report any demolition, excavation or construction works, tree uprooting or transportation of heavy machinery to Comino following the Environment and Resources Authority's decision to approve works linked to the Hili Group's proposed development.

The NGO said that ERA's decision to greenlight the uprooting of 800 trees, alongside heavy construction and excavation works on the Comino nature reserve, meant the Hili Group could begin works on its proposed development in the coming weeks.

Members of the public can report such activity to Moviment Graffitti by email or WhatsApp, while the organisation is also encouraging people to join the Save Comino WhatsApp group so that developments can be communicated immediately and action coordinated.

Graffitti said the ERA decision comes while a court case challenging the Planning Authority permit issued last year remains ongoing.

The proposed development includes 44 swimming pools, 16 villas and a 140-room hotel.

The NGO said that the project would pose a major threat to Comino, adding that it would bring intensive, year-round activity to an environment that is already "delicate and heavily strained".

It said the development would also extend the existing development footprint into a large area of untouched garigue land and increase the overall volume of built development on the island.

"We have made our position clear, and we reiterate it today: we will not allow Hili Group to begin defacing Comino while the PA permit is still subject to an ongoing legal challenge," Moviment Graffitti said.

It referred to a court decision in May which it said had ruled in its favour on a major point and sent the case back to the Tribunal for reconsideration.

"The case remains ongoing," the organisation said.

Graffitti said the Comino Watch initiative is intended to ensure that any works taking place on the island were identified and reported immediately, allowing the necessary action to be taken.

"With the support of the general public and several NGOs, we are confident that any works taking place on Comino will be spotted and reported immediately, allowing the necessary action to be taken to protect our nature reserve," it said.