Location
Valle Galeria, Rome, Italy 

Local Context
Located northwest of Rome, Valle Galeria is one of Italy’s most environmentally compromised areas. Once an agricultural hub, the area is now a convergence point for multiple highly impactful industrial activities. With approximately 30,000 residents, it is home to the former Malagrotta landfill, spanning 250 hectares, alongside petrochemical facilities, waste treatment plants, and other polluting operations. Over five decades, these activities have created a deeply entangled web of environmental and health challenges. 

Planned Actions 

To address the severe environmental challenges in Valle Galeria, the project will focus on empowering citizens and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Key actions include mapping all existing environmental and health data, identifying gaps, and ensuring data accessibility. Local committees, scientists, and authorities will co-develop strategies for targeted data collection. Participatory tools will strengthen civic engagement, while legal advocacy and the creation of a protocol to integrate civic-collected data into enforcement processes will aim to enhance compliance mechanisms and inform policy development. 

Expected Impacts 

The planned actions are expected to lead to measurable improvements in environmental compliance in Valle Galeria. By increasing the official recognition of civic monitoring data, the initiative intends to strengthen enforcement efforts and create a replicable framework for addressing similar challenges in other regions. Similarly, opportunities for reinforced communication and collaboration between citizens, scientists, and authorities are expected to foster a shared commitment to environmental restoration. Ultimately, the project wishes to contribute to the area’s transition toward sustainability, enhancing the quality of life for residents and positioning Valle Galeria as a model for community-led environmental advocacy and action. 

Partners Involved