The Malta Airport Foundation’s latest documentary project, entitled ‘Comino: A Secret Paradise’, was officially launched this morning at a cinema screening attended by several distinguished guests, students from St Monica School and the press.

Allowing the crystal-clear waters and intricate geological features of Malta’s sister island, Comino, to take centre stage, the documentary is the second collaboration between the Malta Airport Foundation and Monolith Productions.

Spanning just over 3.5km of land, Comino is sought out by tourists in search of a remote island paradise during the summer months but, as this documentary seeks to highlight, the island’s treasures go beyond the sandy beach and clear waters which initially meet the eye.

Naturally formed caves, arches and tunnels surround the island, leading divers to underwater treasure troves and shipwrecks, whilst providing the perfect habitats for a vast array of marine species. The diverse marine life and stunning geomorphology harboured by Comino’s waters led the tiny island to be included in Malta’s North-East Marine Protected Area.

“While Comino is undisputedly beautiful above ground, below the surface it is even more so, as this documentary perfectly portrays. The Foundation took on this project to bring Malta’s underwater world to light, taking us a step closer to reaching our primary goal – to raise awareness about Malta’s rich heritage and the diverse environment around us, and to safeguard them for our future generations,” said Malta Airport Foundation’s Chairperson, Mr Fredrick Mifsud Bonnici.

Addressing those present at the launch, Minister for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change, José Herrera, applauded the Malta Airport Foundation for dedicating funds to environmental initiatives. He went on to highlight that projects such as the Comino documentary entail a lot of research, which in turn provides invaluable data and knowledge that enable the relevant stakeholders to better protect marine biodiversity.

Professor Alan Deidun, the documentary’s executive producer, thanked the Malta Airport Foundation for its support in making a second underwater documentary. He also expressed the hope that this project will reach the general public, making one and all aware of the very important role the sea plays in everyday life and contributing to better levels of ocean literacy.

The full documentary may be viewed here.