[WATCH] ERA undertakes embellishment projects for Comino

ERA undertakes embellishment projects for Comino

The Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) has been carrying out considerable works together with PARKS over the past weeks in a bid to improve the sustainability of Comino’s natural heritage.

As part of the implementation of Comino’s Management Plan, ERA issued a Stop and Compliance Order for construction, demolition and bulky waste in various locations around Comino, as well as coordinated action to remove this illegality.

ERA and PARKS also removed harmful alien plant species such as the American Agave and the Kaffir Fig from some areas in Comino. These species had been planted and spread to such an extent that they were damaging the biodiversity of the island, ERA said.

In collaboration with Wasteserv Malta, cleaning works were carried out to remove litter that had been discarded in these areas.

Additionally, ERA cordoned sand dunes at Santa Marija Bay in order to protect them from any damage that may result from trampling.

A number of species typically associated with sand live in the dunes, which are nowadays a very rare habitat in the Maltese Islands and are protected at a European level.

“Only a few bays in the Maltese Islands still contain representative sand dunes and must therefore be protected to the best of our abilities,” ERA said. “This was the first step to protect this beach.”

According to ERA, these embellishment and protective management measures have been undertaken in the context of ensuring that the environment is compatible with society’s needs.

Environment minister Jose Herrera said that the works were a clear example of how the Ministry of Environment was more hands-on in order to have a better environment.

The Minister explained that by means of the enforcement action, they removed the bulky waste which had been dumped illegally.

“In collaboration with ERA, PARKs and Wasteserv, the ministry will continue to cleanse this island and remove foreign and alien species that are a threat to the environment,” Herrera said.

A Carrying Capacity Assessment study on the island is in ERA’s pipeline to mitigate some problems as specified in Comino’s Management Plan, while the authority has started the process to acquire EU funds to implement the Natura 2000 Management Plans.