A comprehensive framework was produced, framing the more4nature concept of collaborative environmental compliance assurance (ECA) as well as the transformative change towards collaborative ECA. This captures the shared understanding of how citizen science can contribute, in different ways, to the three ECA pillars (compliance promotion, compliance monitoring and compliance enforcement), namely via citizen generated data (CGD) and citizen & community-led actions (CCLAs). This foundational work guides the overall Double Loop Action Research methodology of the project as well as the case methodology, creating individual Learning Journeys in each case that are supported by a comprehensive guidance system drawing on project-wide expertise.
The Action Research has started with work in the 20 cases. A comprehensive policy analysis informed this, providing a detailed understanding of what policies are (not) stipulating regarding the roles of CCLA and CGD in compliance promotion, monitoring, and enforcement. Based on the engagement of case stakeholders (citizen science initiatives and institutional actors) in the cases, a baseline of current behavioural practices among citizen science initiatives and institutional actors in ECA has been created. A needs assessment provided case-specific insights and will ensure that collaborative ECA actions can be effectively designed, implemented, and sustained per case in the next period. Strong foundations have been laid for the continuation of their Learning Journeys, generating salient insights into how citizens can be empowered in environmental compliance.
Also, more4nature analysed the CGD provided by citizen science initiatives engaged in the cases. A clear need emerged to educate stakeholders on the FAIR principles to help them to share their data. Preparations were done to include CGD in the Green Deal Data Space. Some CGD from Pioneer cases were selected as candidates to compute indicators in combination with official data. Sometimes the policy indicators may need to be adjusted to adapt to the data availability; at other times, the Citizen Science initiatives involved in the cases may need to modify the way they collect or prepare the CGD. Using an air quality use case, the first spatialized indicators were produced at unprecedented spatial level of detail in urban areas. This methodology will be applied in other relevant cases.
In the context of more4nature, CCLAs consist of interventions driven by individuals or groups aiming to protect the environment. An initial CCLA methodology was developed that will support civil society actors in the co-design of CCLAs. The project provides guidance to cases by summarizing the types of CCLAs that have been identified, as well as a set of co-design cards and a variety of paths that civil society actors can take, including via interactions with other initiatives, Living Labs and Fab Labs.
Progress towards integrating CGD in the monitoring activities and frameworks for zero pollution, biodiversity protection and deforestation prevention has been made both via the activities with stakeholders in the cases as well as broader efforts to create awareness and acceptance of CGD across governance levels. In many more4nature cases, the activities have initiated interactions between stakeholders who have not worked together before, including among institutional actors. This has provided the means to increase knowledge and awareness of public agencies of the potential of citizen science and CGD, and foster their willingness to test the usefulness of CGD.
