Comino has received an ecological face-lift with bulky waste removed, sand dunes cordoned off and alien plants which threatened indigenous species removed.

The spruce-up forms part of the island's management plan and is being coordinated by the Environment and Resources Authority, which recently issued a stop and compliance order for construction and bulky waste in various parts of Comino. 

Photos: ERA

In a statement, the ERA said that its officials worked with Wasteserv counterparts to remove the waste and coordinated with the Directorate for Parks, Afforestation and Countryside Restoration (Parks) to sort out other problems on Comino. 

Sand dunes at Santa Marija Bay have now been cordoned off to protect them from damage caused by trampling. Most other dunes across Malta and Gozo have been wrecked by human neglect and development. 

Alien species such as the American Agave and Kaffir Fig were also removed, the ERA said. These species had spread to such an extent that they were damaging the island's biodiversity. 

The American Agave, also known as a Century Plant, is native to the Americas and is usually grown as an ornamental plant. The Kaffir Fig is among Europe's most invasive plant species, growing densely and smothering native vegetation.  

Comino is a Natura 2000 protected site. Management plans covering 30 of Malta's Natura 2000 sites were finally completed last year - around six years later than first scheduled according to EU law. Eight smaller sites will be managed through conservation orders. 

The ERA has now started the process to acquire EU funds to implement Natura 2000 plans, having already started work on two of these.