EMPOWER CITIZENS TO JOIN FORCES WITH PUBLIC AUTHORITIES IN PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

What is ENFORCE ABOUT?

ENFORCE focuses on improving environmental compliance through innovative approaches that bridge the gap between citizen-collected environmental data and the requirements of enforcement authorities. Its goals include ensuring that citizen science data becomes usable for environmental enforcement by developing creative toolkits, introducing frameworks like the Data Readiness Level (DRL), and leveraging advanced technologies such as geo-spatial intelligence and AI.

The project aligns with broader initiatives like the European Green Deal, promoting trustworthy data sharing and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. It also emphasizes capacity-building, best practices, and policy recommendations to encourage the adoption of these methods at scale.

How will ENFORCE enhance environmental monitoring and governance?

1. Empowering communities through collaboration with grassroots organizations, authorities, and researchers to ensure inclusive compliance efforts.

2. Creating toolkits and protocols that standardize citizen-collected data for legal and regulatory use.

3. Implementing the Data Readiness Level (DRL) framework to evaluate environmental data’s readiness for regulatory actions.

4. Leveraging geo-spatial intelligence and AI tools to improve data quality and support evidence-based decision-making.

5. Advancing EU sustainability initiatives and aligning with the UN SDGs, particularly for sustainable cities and communities.

ENFORCE identifies and engages eight key stakeholder groups to ensure effective Dissemination and Communication (D&C):

1. Environmental agencies and institutes: Manage protected areas, implement ENFORCE solutions, and ensure compliance under national and EU legislation.

2. Inspectorates and Law enforcement entities: Monitor compliance, identify illegal activities, and enforce legal norms in protected areas.

3. Judges and prosecutors: Handle environmental crime cases, verify breaches, and ensure evidence admissibility.

4. Legislators: Develop national environmental laws based on EU frameworks.

5. Technology developers and providers: SMEs offering tools like sensors, drones, and AI solutions for monitoring.

6. Scientific community and academic institutions: Provide research, recommendations, and set new standards for compliance monitoring.

7. International, European, and national networks: Promote innovative environmental technologies and citizen science through associations and platforms.

8. NGOs / Community & Voluntary Organisations / Citizens / Public: Engage users of nature, farmers, fishermen, and the public interested in conservation and biodiversity.

ENFORCE follows a five-phase approach: stakeholder identification, engagement, management, sustainability, and evaluation, leveraging the consortium’s expertise in EU-aligned co-creation processes.

Dr. Svetlana Klessova,
NGI Enrichers responsible / Director, Research and Innovation Partnerships, G.A.C. Group, France
sklessova(at)group-gac.com

Scientific Coordinator,

Prof. Crhysi Laspidou, Professor, University of Thessaly, Greece
laspidou@uth.gr

Funded by: