The GREENGAGE project continues to gain momentum as our consortium of partners, pilots, and community members bring citizen-driven innovation to the forefront of environmental governance. Over recent months, a series of vibrant events and collaborative milestones have helped shape our shared vision: empowering communities through data, dialogue, and digital tools.
Day 1: A Heated Meetup in Rome
Our latest get-together kicked off with energy – quite literally – at the 4th in-person GREENGAGE meeting in Rome. With partners from across Europe and the UK, we dived deep into the co-design of Citizen Observatories and tackled the challenges of participatory governance. The intensity of our discussions was matched by the thermal camera images we captured – a symbolic memento of the passion fueling our mission to reimagine citizen-driven environmental action under the European Green Deal.
Day 2: GREENGAGE Pilots in Action
Across our pilot sites in Bristol, Copenhagen, North Brabant, Turano Valley, and Gerace, progress continues to unfold at the community level. These pilots are exploring how citizen science and citizen-led data collection can unlock insights on air quality, mobility patterns, and noise pollution. The data being collected is not just for research – it’s a catalyst for participatory governance and smarter, more responsive local policies.
Our collective efforts focus on:
- Fostering collaboration between citizens and institutions
- Strengthening digital and data literacy among non-experts
- Turning grassroots observations into evidence-based decisions
Day 3: In-Action: Innovation on the Ground in the Turano Valley
The picturesque Turano Valley became a hub of creative momentum as we prepared for and launched the GREENGAGE Ideathon. From testing tech and finalizing brainstorming materials to framing local challenges, the stage was set for innovation rooted in local context and community priorities. When the Ideathon began, it was clear from the start that this is more than just an event – it was a dynamic exploration of place, data, and possibility. Students and local community members worked side-by-side in mixed teams to map key issues like road conditions, public space accessibility, and perceived air quality.
The field activities in Turano Valley perfectly captured what GREENGAGE is all about. Equipped with GREENGAGE digital tools – mobile apps, dashcams, and air quality sensors – our Observer teams collected in-situ data that grounded abstract challenges in real-world contexts, and combined it with analog insights to co-create solutions for more livable environments. This merging of digital and analogue approaches showed how technology can enhance local knowledge rather than replace it – paving the way for collaborative, context-aware solutions.
After collecting evidence in the field, participants quickly turned their attention to analyzing it – using digital dashboards and hand-drawn maps alike. The result was a dynamic workflow that flowed seamlessly from observation to insight to innovation. Participants reflected on the experience as both empowering and eye-opening. Many noted how seeing the tools and the resulting data in action transformed the way they understood their environment and their role in shaping it.
Day 4: Closing Reflections and Looking Ahead
As the week wrapped up, our consortium left the Turano Valley energized by progress and inspired by the deep engagement of local stakeholders. Our in-person meeting emphasized key goals:
• Strengthening citizen engagement through locally meaningful challenges
• Bridging digital tools with actionable policy insights
• Advancing environmental and mobility solutions through co-creation
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our local hosts, partners, and community participants whose commitment continues to drive GREENGAGE forward.
With a strong foundation laid and ideas in motion, we’re ready for the next step: scaling our impact and supporting more communities in shaping their own sustainable futures.
