CLIENT: Environment and Resources Authority (ERA)
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The island of Comino, Malta is a popular destination due to its picturesque sandy and rocky beaches, with Blue Lagoon being the most frequented beach.
Comino is covered by several conservation and protection policies:
Kemmuna u l-Gżejjer ta’ Madwarha – designated as a Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of International Importance through the Flora, Fauna And Natural Habitats Regulations and the Habitats Directive
Kemmuna u l-Gżejjer ta’ Madwarha – designated as a Natura 2000 Special Protection Area (SPA) under the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations and the Wild Birds Directive
Żona Fil-Baħar bejn Il-Ponta ta’ San Dimitri (Għawdex) u Il-Qaliet – designated as a Natura 2000 Site of Community Importance through the Flora, Fauna And Natural Habitats Regulations and the Habitats Directive
Żona fil-Baħar madwar Għawdex – designated as a Natura 2000 SPA under the Conservation of Wild Birds Regulations and the Wild Birds Directive
REQUEST
ERA commissioned AIS Environment to prepare a Visitor Carrying Capacity (VCC) Assessment on the island to lessen, and where possible solve, some problems associated with a large number of visitors, especially during the summer months. The Comino Carrying Capacity study covered four zones: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, San Niklaw, and Santa Marija Bay.
results
Through this meticulous study, AIS determined Carrying Capacity for Comino in terms of visitors, dive groups, and berthing vessels at each zone. Recommendations for waste management, habitat protection, anchoring and overall management of the area, were also part of this study.
