Once known for its pristine beauty, paradise is now at the heart of a growing crisis. Comino, a small island off the coast of Malta, is overwhelmed by popular tourism, with up to 10,000 visitors every day. Hailed as one of the most breathtaking destinations in the Mediterranean, Comino is now described by conservationists who are in desperate need of intervention.
Appearances in Hollywood films such as Troy and Count of Montecristo were only added to its appeal, and social media platforms have fueled its popularity. But its wildlife is now at risk due to the devastating amount of tourists.
Marc Sultana, CEO of Birdlife Malta, spoke to the Telegraph about the issue and called it a complete “disaster.”
He said: “It's a disaster. If you have 10,000 people on the island, you have noise disorders, trampling on the vegetation and all the waste produced. This is a huge problem.”
The growing issue of waste is not merely an aesthetic concern. Discarded food and trash led to a surge in rat populations, poses a major threat to the sensitive ecosystem of Cominos.
“Now there's rodent invasion. Rats go down the burrows of birds that look like terrible birds and eat eggs. They also prey on lizards,” Sultana said.
Comino's location along the key migration routes between Africa and Europe once became a birdlife paradise, but the unidentified growth of tourism puts wildlife at risk.
Despite environmental protests, there was little action from the authorities. Research commissioned years ago to assess the island's visitor capabilities claims government cover-up. Meanwhile, tour operators continue to sell Cominos as an untouched paradise, with little effort to educate visitors on conservation.
TripAdvisor reviews highlighted the harsh contrast between expectations and reality.
The unfortunate tourist said: “We were dropped off on Comino Island for four hours…it was completely abandoned – very picturesque and beautiful, but littered throughout the island.
“We even saw a mouse by the garbage, and later read some indications about how they later destroyed the island's endangered species of birds. It was very sad and sad.”
The Malta Environmental Foundation called for urgent reforms to protect Cominos.
“The project aims to reduce waste from reducing waste to the coastal natural environment surrounding the protected island of Comino,” the organization said.
They argued that food stands are a major contributor to the garbage, particularly near the ecologically sensitive blue lagoon, containing discarded pineapple skin that produces uncomfortable conditions.
Actors warn that without immediate intervention, one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean could be permanently damaged by overtourism.
