Graffitti launches Comino Watch to monitor Six Senses works

Moviment Graffitti launched Comino Watch, calling on the public to report construction works, tree uprooting, and the transport of heavy machinery to Comino following ERA’s approval of works on the protected island.

Members of the public are now able to immediately report such activity directly to the NGO by emailing [email protected] or sending a text message to 77621113.

Additionally, Graffitti encouraged people to join its Save Comino WhatsApp group to stay informed of developments and coordinate action to protect the island from what it described as “the greed of Hili Group and the complicity of the public authorities.”

This comes after ERA approved preliminary environmental works for the proposed Six Senses Comino development, including the uprooting of around 800 trees.

The redevelopment of the former Comino Hotel site includes a hotel, 16 villas, and 44 swimming pools.

The NGO argued that the project poses a significant threat to Comino by introducing intensive, year-round activity to an already fragile and heavily strained environment. It also warned that the development would expand the existing development footprint onto previously untouched garigue land.

Graffitti said ERA’s decision allows Hili Group to begin works on the project in the coming weeks, despite an ongoing appeal challenging the PA permit issued last year. It also noted that, in May, the court ruled in favour of one of the NGO’s key arguments and sent the case back to the Tribunal for reconsideration.

“We have made our position clear,” Graffitti said. “We will not allow Hili Group to begin defacing Comino while the PA permit is still subject to an ongoing legal challenge.”

Graffitti concluded that public and NGO support would help ensure that any works on Comino are quickly spotted and reported, allowing action to be taken to protect the nature reserve.