This technology is proof that innovation can heal, not harm, nature.
The Blue Lagoon, one of Malta’s most iconic natural treasures, is embracing cutting-edge technology to secure its future. The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) has partnered with environmental architecture practice Mizzi Studio to create the world’s first immersive Digital Twin of Comino’s Blue Lagoon - a landmark step in ecological restoration and sustainable tourism management.
This initiative forms part of MTA’s Ecological Restoration and Tourism Plan, which aims to protect the lagoon’s fragile ecosystem while preserving its beauty for generations to come. The Blue Lagoon, famed for its crystal-clear waters and surrounding garigue habitat, is a designated Natura 2000 site under the EU conservation network.
Using advanced photogrammetry, LIDAR scanning, and Unreal Engine, Mizzi Studio has produced a millimetre-accurate, walkable replica of the lagoon. Built from over 4,500 drone photographs, 30 hours of footage, and 2 billion data points, the Digital Twin provides unprecedented insight into the lagoon’s ecological health and human impact.
The tool allows conservationists to study, plan, and act with precision. From assessing the state of biodiversity to visualising potential interventions, the Digital Twin ensures decisions are sensitive to both nature and community needs. Importantly, it serves as a democratic platform, making the site’s complexities understandable and accessible to all stakeholders.
“Blue Lagoon is the heart of our islands, and like any child, we must protect it,” said Jonathan Mizzi, Director of Mizzi Studio. “This technology allows us to design with greater sensitivity than ever before.”
By pioneering digital twin technology in eco-tourism planning, Malta is positioning itself as a leader in regenerative, context-sensitive design, showing how innovation can heal, not harm, nature.
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