TMID Editorial: An island too far<\/p>\n
The latest in environmental concerns and controversies is surrounding a makeshift ‘island’ – which is actually a towable barge – that has been turned into an entertainment venue.<\/p>\n
Noma Island markets itself as an “island uncharted on any map, drifting solely at the whim of its inhabitants. A mystical haven where time stands still.” It is a 1,750 square metre “floating island” which offers a poolside lido and a restaurant while out at sea. It is accessible only by boat, holds 350 people, and prices for a sunbed onboard start from €99.<\/p>\n
The entertainment island was already forced out of the French Riviera after opposition from mayors and environmental groups, and it made its first appearance some weeks ago – prompting opposition from local mayors and environmental groups as well.<\/p>\n
The team behind Noma Island wrote on their website that they understand that “a concept of this scale will naturally attract attention and discussion. Innovation often does.”<\/p>\n
“History has repeatedly shown that new ideas are sometimes questioned, or even misunderstood, before they are fully appreciated,” the team behind the venue wrote.<\/p>\n
“The concept behind NOMA ISLAND is simple: to offer guests a unique experience at sea, away from the pressures and noise of everyday life on land, while operating according to the highest standards of environmental responsibility and maritime safety,” they said.<\/p>\n
The team said that their practices are designed to be in favour of the environment, and said that “potential noise and light emissions have been carefully assessed through dedicated studies to ensure compatibility with the surrounding marine ecosystem.”<\/p>\n
They also said that Noma Island “was never intended to replicate land-based nightlife” and that the vision is to create a space where people can step away from the pressures and noise of everyday life.<\/p>\n
“We recognise that introducing a new concept can bring curiosity, discussion, and sometimes scepticism. This is a natural part of progress in any open society. For this reason, NOMA ISLAND should ultimately be judged not by speculation, but by the way it operates in practice,” the team wrote.<\/p>\n
Yet, these words have done little to allay the concerns on the operation. The vessel was seen docked next to Comino in the past days, and the concerns were immediate on the basis that Comino is a Natura 2000 site and a Marine Special Area of Conservation.<\/p>\n
Indeed, such a place is no place for an entertainment venue of any kind. The light pollution alone can prove to be incredibly detrimental to the island’s seabird populations, as said by BirdLife Malta, while Comino in general already attracts enough touristic activity as it is – let alone with an entertainment venue moored next to it.<\/p>\n
The platform was then relocated to Little Armier, where Mellieħa mayor Gabriel Micallef warned that the project threatens to damage the environmental and social fabric of the area.<\/p>\n
One can understand the entrepreneurial mindset of the team behind Noma Island, and one can even respect it – but one can also understand why this platform has been the source of such opposition.<\/p>\n
Malta’s environment is already under assault by increasing over tourism, over development, and general excess. Now exporting a touristic venue onto a platform moored out at sea only exacerbates all that.<\/p>\n
The team behind Noma Island wrote on its website that they see their venture as one to allow people to relax in a tranquil space. <\/p>\n
Nobody seems to think about the residents and people in surrounding areas of venues like this – and the most tranquil place that one should first and foremost be allowed to enjoy is one’s home.<\/p>\n
So perhaps this concept is simply an island too far.<\/p>\n
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