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The use of the ‘Doughnut’ model to create a sustainable Malta

02nd February 2021
During this year’s Malta Sustainability Forum the CEO of the Environmental and Resources Agency (ERA) Michelle Piccinino spoke of the benefits Malta may gain through a planning process based on the economic ‘Doughnut’ model. This links the concept of planetary limits with social limits.

During an interview in recent days Ms Piccinino maintained that ERA is in the process of preparing a strategy to deal with construction debris and the demolishing of building that includes various measures to encourage anew the use of recycled debris that i currently being discarded as waste. CEO Piccinino said ERA is already applying the ‘Doughnut’ model in its progressive actions within the National Environment Strategy. She explained the Government is working in an incremental manner so that all will have a better quality of life over the next 30 years.

Architect Piccinino said that currently 28.9% of the country consists within the Natura 2000 sites geared to safeguard biodiversity and the natural ecosystem throughout the Islands while at the same time providing the basic and essential elements for community benefit. Regarding the seas, she added that the network of Malta’s Marine Protected Zones covers 35% of the total, an area that is more or less 13 times larger than the landmass of the Islands. The ERA CEO also stated that the Agency faces a further strong challenge, that is, of working with entities and concerned parties in the development sphere to assure a strong urban environment that is balanced to provide basic needs of shelter and comfort, as well as other necessities in a healthy environment. She said that unfortunately there is yet no realisation of the benefits that may be gained if we live within our limits and there is a necessity that all individuals in all countries play their positive part. She said she believes there is the necessary structure to achieve the needed balance which unless achieved will occasion a dear price.

Watch the module 'Urbanism – The “doughnut model” a tool for transformative action' here.