Name and Surname
Safet Kubat
Affiliation
Citizen Scientist
Contact email
kubat_safet@hotmail.com
Short Biography
Born in Zenica in 1986.Safet Kubat holds a PhD in interdisciplinary social sciences from University of Sarajevo (2024) specializing in political ecology with foundations in urban ecology, political economy, and sustainable development. He also has a diploma in public health, a strong background in applied public health research and governance as well as experience in leading interdisciplinary projects on green economy and sustainable urban development in the Balkan area. Safet is a researcher, lecturer, speaker, public worker and a committed political organizer behind one of the biggest and most successful broad-based environmental movements in Bosnia and Herzegovina – “Budi promjena”- with more than 61 thousand members. He combines academic knowledge with activism ensuring that his work leads to real-world impacts. Over 15 years of various social activism, 15 years of professional engagement, with more than 30 published different publications, over 50 implemented projects, hundreds of lectures, and more than 1000 media appearances.
In his work he focuses on green policy development and promotion aiming to foster socio-ecological transformation in the Balkan region. He is a regular contributor to international, regional and local environmental forums and academia with insights in sustainable policies and environmental preservation and is collaborating with many international institutions and numerous regional organizations on different research projects and public initiatives. His current research revolves around city modeling with a focus on examining and measuring the socio-ecological footprint of cities in both local and global contexts and looking at how lower scale local conditions and processes impact and are impacted by planetary boundaries. He is a former UNESCO Champion of Peace and the recipient of the Philanthropic Heart Award in 2024.
Research abstract
The Balkan Doughnut: Exploring Pathways to Green Transformation
Safet’s research focuses on developing a tailored Doughnut Economy model to address key ecological and social challenges in the Balkans. Based on the original Doughnut Economy framework by Kate Raworth and adaptations of the IPE model, the project aims to create a “transformative Doughnut Model” customized for three cities: Zenica, Belgrade, and Rijeka. The model incorporates 33 indicators, such as air pollution, renewable energy use, income inequality, and social satisfaction, to measure and balance ecological sustainability and human well-being.
The primary goal is to propose a replicable Balkan Doughnut Model as a tool for public policy, enhance cross-border cooperation, and generate a unifying narrative for the region. By addressing shared challenges, including ecological degradation, political divisions, and socio-economic inequalities, the model seeks to foster trust, unity, and action among citizens, cities, civil society, and the academic community. This interdisciplinary effort will serve as a blueprint for guiding the Balkans toward a sustainable and equitable future, bridging the gap between current unsustainable practices and the safe, just space within the “doughnut.”