Project ERICA: Citizen Science for Environmental Monitoring

The ERICA project (Environmental monitoRIng through Civic engAgement) is an ambitious international effort running from 2023 to 2026, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and community-based environmental action. By empowering local communities with the tools and resources to collect and analyze environmental data, ERICA seeks to make a lasting impact on global sustainability efforts.

Coordinated by a diverse group of European institutions, including researchers Martí Orta and Gorka Muñoa from IRBio at the University of Barcelona, the project focuses on monitoring the socio-environmental impacts of the fossil fuel industry. One of its primary goals is to make environmental data collection accessible to all, enabling communities to take an active role in decision-making processes that affect their surroundings.

A Collaborative Effort Across Europe

ERICA is led by an international consortium comprising universities, NGOs, and private entities. Key partners include the University of Barcelona (Spain), Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands), and Adam Mickiewicz University (Poland). The project also benefits from contributions by organizations such as Cova Contro and Source International in Italy and the European Association for Local Democracy in France. In Catalonia, the Cel Net Platform, represented by Dr. Neus Roig, is engaged in a pilot study at the Tarragona petrochemical complex, one of the project’s key testing sites.

The project’s first official meeting took place in December 2023 in Italy, where the consortium established its main objectives and visited critical environmental monitoring locations, including the Eni petroleum center and Pertusillo Lake. Throughout 2024, researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of existing citizen science initiatives across Europe, evaluating tools for environmental data collection. This phase culminated in the publication of a best practices manual, providing guidelines for effective community-driven environmental monitoring.

Innovative Training and Digital Learning

In 2025, ERICA has entered a crucial phase focused on education and capacity-building. The project is rolling out a series of online learning modules designed to train citizens in environmental monitoring techniques. These resources, hosted on the ERICA platform, will cover essential topics such as accessible tracking technologies and the application of environmental data in policymaking. To complement this digital training, a specialized workshop in Poland will offer hands-on training, equipping participants with practical skills and methodologies for fieldwork.

Looking ahead to 2026, ERICA will enter its final phase, during which the project’s impact will be assessed. Discussions will also focus on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the methodologies and tools developed, paving the way for future citizen science initiatives across Europe.

A Future of Citizen-Driven Environmental Action

ERICA aims to drive a cultural shift in how communities engage with environmental issues. By increasing awareness of climate change and its consequences, the project encourages the use of technology in grassroots monitoring efforts. Open access to environmental data is a central pillar of ERICA, promoting transparency and enabling informed decision-making at local and governmental levels.

Ultimately, ERICA serves as a powerful example of how scientific research and community engagement can work hand in hand to tackle pressing environmental challenges. At a time when global environmental crises demand urgent action, this project provides a unique opportunity for citizens to become active agents of change, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

The information mentioned can be found in IRBio's site.