The application of zoning as a coastal management tool to reduce conflicts related to tourism and recreation on Comino

Abstract

Academic literature related to the island of Comino is quite limited at present and thus this research study is an opportunity to analyse the potential of Comino as an attraction area for both tourists and locals. Tectonic activity and the island's geomorphology and have led to the formation of its beaches which have attracted tourists towards this island through the years establishing itself as a tourist/ recreation destination. Tourism in Comino is seasonal where the tourist boom is mainly experienced during the summer months. It is during this time that many boats and tourists in the three swimming areas: The Blue Lagoon, San Niklaw's Bay and Santa Maria's Bay are expected, causing many conflicts. In this dissertation, conflicts are observed in a spatio-temporal context to discover what causes them and where and why these arise. Conflicts can be managed through the coastal management tool of zoning and the hypothesis will be based on whether this tool can help to reduce these conflicts on Comino. It will be verified through interviews done to tourists and to representatives from regulatory institutions. Reference to case studies regarding the application of zoning and the success or failure of the different zoning techniques within coastal management, with particular emphasis on similar islands in the Mediterranean, will aid in what needs to be considered in zoning implementation on Comino. The results obtained through interviews and on-site observations are expected to show a tendency towards the need of zoning in Comino to control the coastal activities in the island and also to protect the environment from further human pressure.