Project R-14909

Empower citizeNs to join Forces with public authORities in proteCting the Environment (ENFORCE) (Research)

Assuring environmental compliance requires a strong network of stakeholders, from citizens and researchers to governments and environmental organisations. Through creative toolkits and protocols, ENFORCE aims to tackle the frequent mismatch between the environmental data gathered by citizens and what authorities require for enforcement purposes. The project will address the challenges in data reporting coming from both the citizens side and the authorities' side, in order for the obtained data to be usable for environmental enforcement. In this line, ENFORCE introduces the concept of Data Readiness Level (DRL) to assess the maturity of data to be used as evidence in environmental compliance cases. In addition, the project will capitalize on the use of geo-spatial intelligence and AI-enhanced tools, strengthening their capacities, promoting good practices and preparing an inventory on geospatial intelligence and AI use. The proposed solution will ensure alignment with the Green Deal Data Space to ensure trustworthy data exchange among the relevant stakeholders. The project encompasses 8 case studies that involve all relevant actors including grassroots organizations, local and regional authorities and a diverse group of experienced researchers forming a scientifically robust interdisciplinary team. The lessons learnt and evaluation results from the case studies will feed the replication guidelines that will be promoted through the ENFORCE capacity building programme and associated policy recommendations to create a multiplier effect for the adoption of citizen science data to support environmental compliance.

01 September 2024 - 31 August 2028