'The eco-Gozo vision' : a study set against criteria of good governance and sustainability

Abstract

To make up for social fragmentation of modem life and its alienation from nature, lately sustainable communities and eco islands have arisen around the world as a worldwide movement. Given this context, this study will address the island of Gozo. Gozo is the subject of an Eco Island Vision; a Vision with the aim to transform Gozo into an eco-island by 2020. Thus, the intent of this study is to present an evaluation of the Vision based on principles of good governance and sustainability. The research methodology has been based on a triangulation approach: a desk study to establish the principles of good governance and sustainability; questionnaires to Gozitan inhabitants and interviews with Local Council, NGO's and Ministry for Gozo representatives. The key findings of this study indicate that: the Vision respects the principles of sustainability more than the principles of good governance. Following such results, a series of recommendations were drawn up on each and every principle.