ABOUT IL-FORN TA' KEMMUNA
Sometime during the 90s Martin stumbled upon an old bakery while enjoying a camping trip with some friends in Comino. Being the principled environmentalist he is, he dreamt up a vision to one day turn it into an education centre with a permanent exhibition about the island’s natural landscape and cultural heritage.
As Martin’s idea continued to develop, he realised the unique space offered by Il-Forn ta’ Kemmuna in creating room for education about sustainability, research into the island’s environment and a not-for-profit space to welcome people for workshops, retreats all while touching on Malta’s unique bread culture.
Sadly, the historic building has fallen into disrepair. The place was once a thriving centre for the local farming community to gather over food, some of whom actually lived in the building. Throughout the decades, it has unfortunately succumbed to the elements, looters and is almost in ruins. If something is not done immediately the beautiful building is unfortunately at risk of being totally lost.
Over the years, the island itself has been rapidly taken over by the interests of big business with a push to intensify activities at the blue lagoon. Comino has been afforded the highest form of protection, being labelled a Natura 2000 site, and yet the island’s protected status has been severely neglected.
Businesses teeter on the edge of illegality as they occupy public shores with deckchairs, sell overpriced cocktails to thousands of day-trippers littering the surrounding area and constantly play loud music. The classic pineapple shot on Instagram has become synonymous with the island, but a cursory look at the volume of discarded fruit on the shores confirms that authorities are failing to protect the island. In addition, there is an outrageous planning application submitted by Hili Group to redevelop the old bungalows which will only seek to further strengthen big business’ hold on the island, locking it in a never-ending cycle of abuse.
As we fast forward 30-odd years, from Martin’s first idea, the Natura 2000 site is now begging for a hub of sustainability which complements its natural beauty, its historic value and educates the general public about why it’s worthy of protection. With permits in hand, while the project is baking so-to-speak, you can explore the plans for the space by searching for this reference number PA 00563/14. To explore the finer details, scroll to the FAQ section.
The project has been endorsed by Salvu Vella, one of the last remaining residents on the island. By all accounts, Salvu Vella is considered to be the custodian of Comino. A self-taught engineer and inventor, Salvu is always thinking about new projects – from boat building to chemical-free pest control for his fields. In addition to this, he is an organic farmer, a fisherman, a beekeeper, as well as being the person who greets people when they arrive on the island. For the last 70 years, he has been living in harmony with nature on this breathtaking site, tilling the land and fishing to support himself and the island’s single other remaining resident.
OUR VISION FOR COMINO
In addition to the restoration of Il-Forn, we’re also working with all communities & authorities involved, to create a Comino which genuinely respects the island’s natural and cultural heritage.
We are suggesting the following:
A study into the carrying capacity of the island to establish a policy that limits the amount of visitors allowed onto the island, prohibits large ferries from entering Blue Lagoon and places a limit on the amount of ferries that can daily enter the bay.
The shoreline of Comino should be respected as public land and not overtaken by deckchair businesses. We would like that sunbeds and umbrellas are only rented out on request, in conformity with the Public Domain Act.
A significant reduction to the number of kiosks at the Blue Lagoon, with vendors responsible for proper disposal and encouraged to use biodegradable materials.
Imposing government-issued permits for all commercial activity around the Blue Lagoon, with operators contributing financially for the bay’s upkeep. Violations should lead to immediate permit revocation.
Waste management should be taken seriously to combat the rising rat population on the island which has now become a significant threat to the native flora and fauna.
The Government must take urgent action to ensure the upkeep and proper patrolling of the island of Comino including but not only distributing rubbish bins in the appropriate areas and making sure rangers have the authority to enforce the rules in place.
Urgently abolish music from kiosks and boats and loud generators.
Many of these points already fall under the Comino Management Plan, and we hope that our vision will contribute to ensure that Comino’s natural environment will be safeguarded and enjoyed by the general public.
MEET THE TEAM
Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEM) has been active in Malta’s environmental sector since 1985. Initially named Żgħażagħ Għall-Ambjent (Youths for the Environment), it later became known as Moviment Għall-Ambjent (Movement for the Environment). In 1991, the group joined the global Friends of the Earth network, which is the world’s largest grassroots environmental network, encompassing groups from 75 countries across 6 continents.
FoEM uses diverse non-formal and popular educational methods to reach out to adults and youths especially focusing on marginalised groups, empowering them to work together for a more sustainable future.
FoEM’s work has been informing national policy for over almost four decades. Currently, campaigns focus on Food, Agriculture & Biodiversity, Climate Change, Resource Use and Activism & Democratic participation.
He started volunteering with Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEMalta) 2000, and eventually became the organisation’s director in 2015. Here he finally found a platform for his dream, and with his perseverance the project of Comino has slowly inched forward.
Of course, in the interim his interest in the environment has led him to formal studies. He holds an M.Sc in Environmental Management and Planning from the University of Malta. He previously graduated with an honours degree in Environmental Studies.
His involvement in FoEMalta has international reach, he often represents the organisation at international meetings, he serves as an Executive Board Member at Friends of the Earth Europe in Brussels. Currently also serving on the steering group of the Food agriculture and biodiversity campaign at FoE Europe and Ombudsperson of the FoE International network.
Michelangelo has a background in sustainable agriculture, beekeeping and gardening. And, he’s got a wealth of experience managing renovation and building projects. He also comes equipped with the patience (and the know-how) to deal with all the tradespeople. Those of you who have done up a property can absolutely relate, Michelangelo is essential to the team.
She joined FoEMalta in 2018 as a volunteer, shortly after graduating with a Masters’ in History of Art. In 2022, she started working for the organisation. In her spare time, she enjoys interior designing with sustainability in mind and writing. Her work focuses on the intersections between art, activism as well as the environment. In 2023, Maria played a crucial role in the successful crowdfunding campaign that raised 30,000 euros to kickstart the restoration of Comino bakery.
Her journey with FoEMalta began in 2018 when she started working for the organisation, and over the years she has facilitated educational programmes working with youth and adults, especially around themes of food, agriculture and biodiversity, gathering experience in project management. She holds an MSc in Chemistry and Material Science, and also a Diploma in Agriculture.
FAQs
DO YOU HAVE PLANNING PERMISSION TO DO ALL THIS?
Yes we do! This was one of the first milestones by Martin in the project. Friends of the Earth Malta received approval for the project in 2016. Curious to see what’s in store? You can search for the plans with the following reference number: PA 00563/14.
WHO OWNS THE BUILDING? CAN IT BE SOLD TO A FOR-PROFIT BUSINESS?
It’s publicly owned, but in 2021 Friends of the Earth Malta (FoEMalta) entered into a guardianship deed with the Government of Malta. During a signing ceremony in September of 2021 we were tasked with the responsibility of caring for a 14,400 square metre plot of land in Comino, known as Fuq il-Bir tat-Tiġieġ, as well as the building known as l-Forn l-Antik (the old bakery). In essence, this means that we can actually carry out the restoration works which were approved by the planning authority.
FoEMalta is not allowed to and will never sell the building to a 3rd party. It will remain public property, and we intend on managing the building for decades to come.
DOES IT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THAT NASTY HOTEL PLANNING APPLICATION?
Absolutely not! Friends of the Earth Malta has actually banded together with several other NGOs to object against the outrageous planning application submitted by the Hili Group.
In contrast, our project is a genuine attempt to valorise the bakery and provide an interpretation centre for Comino. We will be restoring the old bakery offering the opportunity for the building and its surroundings to be enjoyed by the general public once again. As mentioned above you can review the plans here: PA 00563/14.
And, we’re also campaigning for a serious overhaul of the free-for-all which has plagued the island over the past few years. Our campaign is being run in tandem with six other NGOs including Moviment Graffitti, BirdLife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Nature Trust Malta – FEE, and Ramblers’ Association of Malta.
BUT, WILL THIS PROJECT BE A BOUTIQUE HOTEL, RESTAURANT, ETC...?
To elaborate a little – this will be a space for the community which in contrast to some other projects on the island will remain entirely not-for-profit. But how will the project sustain itself? That’s a good question. Friends of the Earth Malta has been a non-profit organisation since 1985, and over the decades we’ve gained lots of insight into seeking funds from the EU, private donors, companies, local government and other sources which means that we won’t rely on a for-profit business model for our project.
And, we’ve got lots of plans for reducing the overall costs of running the place which include generating our own electricity, collecting rainwater, designing the building for energy efficiency and lots more… Anything gained from the project will be fed back into Il-Forn.
Finally, this also means that the bakery will remain accessible to the wider community without the high price tag which comes along with running a luxury business.
THE PERMIT MENTIONS 'LODGING', WHAT'S THAT ABOUT?
We will be including room for overnight stays in the project. This will offer the unique opportunity to cut off from our busy modern lives and immerse ourselves in nature during retreats, off-site meetings and educational camps. These rooms will also offer space for permanent staff to sleepover, reducing the carbon footprint generated by the commute to Comino.
THERE'S ALSO MENTION OF A KITCHEN... WILL YOU OPEN A RESTAURANT?
No, the kitchen will be used for workshops about traditional bread-making practices which acknowledge the art of Maltese bread-making. In 2020, the Ftira actually became recognised by UNESCO as an intangible part of the cultural heritage of humanity.
The kitchen will also be used to make food for the visitors of the bakery and sustain any staff who may be present at Il-Forn ta’ Kemmuna during activities making the space more self-reliant.
COMINO THROUGH THE LENS
