Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544087
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 27 MARCH 2026 NEWS Youth camp on Comino promotes conservation and sustainable living MORE than 20 young partic- ipants took part in a two-day environmental education camp on Comino earlier this month, as Friends of the Earth Malta continued efforts to promote sustainability and conservation on the island. The initiative, "Kamp Kemmu- na: Edizzjoni Rebbiegħa," was held between March 14 and 15 and marked the organisation's third youth camp on Comi- no. Hosted at a historic bakery currently being restored by the NGO, the programme focused on environmental awareness, climate action and sustainable living. Participants engaged in a se- ries of workshops and outdoor activities designed to encourage hands-on learning and a deeper connection with nature. Dur- ing a nature walk, organised in collaboration with Wild for Or- chids, attendees identified two orchid species not previously documented on the island, un- derlining Comino's ecological importance. Additional sessions included coastline protection activities with Pro-Coast and an educa- tional workshop on light pollu- tion and biodiversity, followed by a stargazing session where participants observed Jupiter. These activities were support- ed through the National STEM Community Fund by Xjenza Malta. The second day focused on sustainable practices and mind- ful engagement with nature, in- cluding meditation, beekeeping and low-waste cooking using solar-powered equipment. Ac- tivities were designed to min- imise environmental impact, with recyclable materials and renewable energy used through- out. Part of the programme was funded through EU-backed in- itiatives administered by the Gozo Action Group. The camp forms part of a broader effort by Friends of the Earth Malta to develop an environmental education hub on Comino, a Natura 2000 site. Central to this vision is the res- toration of the historic bakery, known as Il-Forn ta' Kemmuna, which the NGO acquired in 2022. The project has received support from several part- ners, including the Kaizen Foundation and Bank of Valletta, which are con- tributing to the rehabili- tation of the building and restoration of its traditional stone oven. Beyond the camp, the NGO is also collaborating with the Mal- ta Environmental Foundation to manage waste and promote responsible tourism on the is- land. Organisers said the initiative aims to equip young people with practical knowledge of sustainability while fostering long-term environmental stew- ardship. Participants engaged in a series of workshops and outdoor activities designed to encourage hands-on learning and a deeper connection with nature Gozo residents report being left behind as fast ferry reaches capacity LAURA CALLEJA lcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt Residents argued that the service is becoming less reliable for those who depend on it for daily travel, particularly as tourism numbers continue to rise. Some said the situation has worsened even during typically quieter months GOZO residents are reporting increasing difficulty boarding the Gozo Fast Ferry, with some saying they are being left be- hind while tourists fill sched- uled trips. In comments shared online, several residents said they were unable to board ferries despite holding valid tickets, and in some cases were told that multiple upcoming trips were fully booked. Others de- scribed being placed on stand- by and only allowed to board if space remained after other passengers. Residents argued that the service is becoming less relia- ble for those who depend on it for daily travel, particularly as tourism numbers continue to rise. Some said the situation has worsened even during typ- ically quieter months. A number of contributors called for a priority boarding system for Gozo residents, similar to arrangements used on other islands such as Lipari Island, where locals are given precedence over visitors. Proposals put forward in- clude reserving a portion of seats for residents or intro- ducing a booking system that guarantees travel at a selected time, with unused slots re- leased to other passengers. Similar concerns were also raised about the Gozo Channel ferry, particularly during peak travel periods such as week- ends, when demand between Malta and Gozo is highest. Residents said that while tourism remains important to the island's economy, the cur- rent system should better re- flect the needs of those living in Gozo who rely on ferry ser- vices for essential travel.