Enforce EU-funded initiative commences its 4-year journey
The ENFORCE project has officially begun its four-year journey to enhance participatory environmental monitoring and enforcement. With 26 partners from 10 European countries, this Horizon Europe initiative unites communities, researchers, and policymakers to improve environmental governance and ensure compliance with regulations
The ENFORCE project officially launched with a two-day kickoff meeting in Nice, France, on September 10-11, 2024, marking the beginning of a four-year mission to enhance environmental monitoring and enforcement. Hosted by G.A.C. Group (France), the event brought together 48 representatives from all partner organisations, setting the foundation for collaboration and innovation.
Eight case studies, One shared goal
During the meeting, Project Coordinator Dr. Svetlana Klessova (G.A.C. Group, France) and Scientific Coordinator Prof. Chrysi Laspidou (University of Thessaly, Greece) introduced the project’s overarching mission: empowering citizens to work alongside public authorities to strengthen environmental enforcement. They emphasized the importance of integrating citizen science with institutional frameworks, ensuring that community-driven data collection contributes meaningfully to policy enforcement and environmental protection.
A central focus of the discussions was the eight case studies that will shape ENFORCE’s approach. Partners explored the unique environmental challenges faced in Valle Galeria (Italy), Brașov (Romania), Crete (Greece), Barcelona Urban Beaches (Spain), Puglia (Italy), Flanders (Belgium), East Devon Catchment (UK), and Amsterdam (Netherlands). Each site presents distinct issues, from industrial pollution to coastal degradation, requiring tailored strategies to improve monitoring, reporting, and compliance mechanisms.
Strengthening environmental governance through collaboration
Throughout the meeting, grassroots organisations, local and regional authorities, and interdisciplinary researchers engaged in discussions on how to create a comprehensive environmental monitoring framework. The coordinators highlighted the project’s alignment with the Green Deal Data Space, emphasizing the need for trustworthy data exchange and innovative governance practices to support sustainable environmental policies.
As the meeting concluded, partners reaffirmed their commitment to driving forward participatory environmental monitoring. The discussions set the stage for a collaborative and action-oriented approach, ensuring that Enforce delivers impactful solutions to bridge the gap between community-driven environmental efforts and regulatory enforcement.
