Plaza Mayor stands as a vast shopping complex boasting over 155 stores and numerous dining options, conveniently located just minutes away from Malaga. Managed by Sonae Sierra, the centre prioritizes innovation and distinct experiences, embracing sustainability as a fundamental principle.

The Plaza Mayor gardens epitomize this commitment, designed to be both eco-friendly and sustainable. This dedication to sustainability began in 2010, marked by a series of initiatives demonstrating that it's possible to create a stunning garden with fewer resources.

Initially, the garden underwent a redesign, reducing the lawn area and introducing native plants. Subsequently, in 2015, the implementation of biological pest control techniques minimized the use of chemical pesticides, promoting the release of beneficial insects.

By 2016, efforts to enhance biodiversity led to the establishment of a stable monarch butterfly colony, further enriching the garden's ecosystem. In 2019, a shift to a naturalistic garden style introduced indigenous and Mediterranean species, adapted to local environmental conditions, significantly reducing water usage while fostering biodiversity.

Recent years have seen a concerted focus on promoting biodiversity through various measures such as bird shelters, water holes for small mammals and reptiles, and insect hotels to support beneficial insect populations. These initiatives have transformed Plaza Mayor gardens into a thriving ecosystem, teeming with diverse birdlife, reptiles, butterflies, and small mammals.

This ecological ethos is complemented by advanced technology, including computerized irrigation systems equipped with weather stations and humidity probes to optimize water usage according to garden needs.

Aligned with the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement, future plans include expanding the garden's fauna with species like bats and peacocks and enriching the visitor experience with educational activities such as guided tours and interactive paths to learn about the garden's diverse species while appreciating its beauty. 

https://www.plazamayor.es/
https://www.plazamayor.es/lifestyle/blog-moda-noticias/los-jardines-de-plaza-mayor/
https://www.elespanol.com/malaga/vivir/20230928/plaza-mayor-presenta-jardines-sostenibles-proyecto-medioambiental-unico-espana/797920495_0.html
https://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/economia/empresas-malaga/2023/10/03/plaza-mayor-aspira-convertirse-primer-92824158.html
 

DIRECT SDGs:

• Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable (SDG 11)
• Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss (SDG 15)

INDIRECT SDGs:

• Climate Action (SDG 13)
• Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3)
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
   

Justification:

1.    Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable (SDG 11):  
The sustainable gardens of Plaza Mayor actively contribute to the greater sustainability and resilience of the city of Malaga, which is generally lacking in green spaces. The gardens include autochthonous species, avoiding the spread of invasive species. In addition, as it is a shopping center visited daily by thousands of people, the initiative has a relevant educational and awareness-raising purpose.

2.    Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss (SDG 15): The initiative protects the ecosystem in two ways, on the one hand by introducing autochthonous species to Malaga and on the other by facilitating the proliferation of insects and small mammals through the installation of nesting troughs and burrows. Measures of this type prevent biodiversity loss in the area.
It also manages the mall's gardens responsibly and sustainably. This ecological, natural and sustainable approach goes hand in hand with a high technological level. Computerized irrigation, with a weather station, and humidity probes according to the water needs in the garden.
The Plaza Mayor sustainable garden does not forget the promotion of the sustainable use of ecosystems offering the visitor a differentiating experience with environmental education activities such as guided tours or a path where visitors can participate in some didactic-playful actions useful to have information about the different species found in it while enjoying the beauty of the garden.

All these measures have focused on respecting the natural cycles and have allowed the ecosystem to work in a natural and balanced way. 
3.    Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3):  This good practice contributes to good health and well-being by offering a green space with native species to visitors to the shopping centre.
4.    Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12): They are currently working on creating an area for organic vegetable gardens where horticulture workshops will also be implemented. These actions are aimed at promoting a culture of responsible production and consumption.
5.    Climate Action (SDG 13): 
The creation of green spaces with native flora and fauna helps to combat climate change. 
 

1.    When did the development of Plaza Mayor's sustainable garden commence?
2.    What advantages do pest control techniques offer to this garden?
3.    What benefits were brought about by incorporating native and Mediterranean plant species?
4.    What steps have been taken to enhance biodiversity by catering to small wildlife?
5.    What is the renowned philosophy guiding this project, centred on ongoing enhancement? 

Plaza Mayor is currently developing an area dedicated to ecological vegetable gardens, alongside plans to host horticultural workshops. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to foster a culture of ecology and sustainability.

As the sole shopping center with such a distinctive garden, Plaza Mayor is poised to join the ranks of Spain's seven sustainable gardens, aspiring to become a leading model for ecological gardening. This ambition reflects the center's dedication to innovation, sustainability, and ongoing enhancement

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