On 6th December, Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM), in collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa and the Malta Environment Foundation (MEF), organised another clean-up on Comino.

This followed a similar initiative last May, during which nearly two tonnes of waste were collected around FoEM’s flagship project, Il-Forn ta’ Kemmuna. For this clean-up, the NGOs focused on removing glass remnants from the Santa Marija Battery area, collecting nearly 600 kilograms of glass waste.

Volunteers, including members of the Xagħra Scouts Group, joined environmental organisations to clear decades-old glass fragments, many originating from the former Comino Hotel and long scattered across the island’s garigue. The Santa Marija Battery area had been heavily littered with large deposits of glass waste. Removing these hazardous materials is vital, as they pose fire risks and threaten the already fragile ecosystem of this protected Natura 2000 site.

With this second area now cleared of dangerous glass, efforts continue to maintain Comino’s cleanliness and protect the flora and fauna essential to Malta’s indigenous ecosystems. These clean-ups help reduce the cumulative environmental stress caused by unmanaged waste and decades-old debris.

Through such initiatives, FoEM aims to foster greater environmental awareness among the public to safeguard the island. The collaboration with Din l-Art Ħelwa, custodians of the Santa Marija Tower, underscores the long-standing commitment of both organisations to protecting Comino.

FoEM’s historic bakery, Il-Forn ta’ Kemmuna, served as a central hub where volunteers could gather, rest, and enjoy a plant-based ftira after their work. Il-Forn ta’ Kemmuna remains FoEM’s flagship project, focused on establishing an environmental education centre on Comino to highlight the island’s significance as a Natura 2000 site.

This year, FoEM continued restoration work and hosted small-scale activities, including these clean-ups, thanks to support from its associate, the Kaizen Foundation, which is co-funding the first phase of the restoration process.

Well done to all involved!