ERICA project

🔥 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻-𝗽𝗶𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 🌍 Lignite mining doesn’t just 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗵’𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁, it disrupts entire ecosystems. Waste dumps and excavation sites permanently alter landscapes, increase 𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀, and destroy 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗼𝗶𝗹. Even worse, constant 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 depletes groundwater, dries up 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀, causes 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, and shrinks 𝗹𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀. At our 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲, 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗚𝗢𝘀 are stepping up. With limited resources, they monitor the impact of coal-fired power plants by observing drainage ditches, tracking 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀, and assessing 𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗲𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗿. To strengthen their efforts, they collaborate with 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀. Beyond monitoring, resistance is growing. Through 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀, activists are demanding decarbonization and a sustainable future. 🌱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄! How can we better support local communities in their fight for environmental justice? Let’s keep the conversation going, share your thoughts and raise awareness! #Sustainability #Decarbonization #EnvironmentalJustice #CleanEnergy #ClimateAction #PolishPilotSite #ActNow International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam | COVA Contro | Social IT srl | Universitat de Barcelona | Instytut Antropologii i Etnologii UAM w Poznaniu | Source International ETS | ALDA Projects - European Association for Local Democracy

🌱 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲! 🌍 As part of our 𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗼𝘁 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱, we are proud to collaborate with the 𝗘𝗞𝗢-𝗣𝗿𝘇𝘆𝗷𝗲𝘇𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘇𝗲 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, a dedicated NGO committed to protecting the natural environment, especially the forests and lakes of the 𝗚𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘇𝗻𝗼 𝗟𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁. 💚 For over 𝟮𝟬 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀, EKO-Przyjezierze has been at the forefront of environmental activism, organizing protests against the expansion of 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻, partnering with scientists from 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗰𝘇 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗣𝗼𝘇𝗻𝗮𝗻́ 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘂𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗻́, and leading citizen monitoring of surface water quality. 🌊🔬 The association plays a key role in 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀, being an active member of the "𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗬𝗘𝗦 – 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗣𝗶𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗢" coalition. Their activists have resisted the opening of new coal mines across the country, engaged with affected communities in 𝗟𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗮, and even participated in 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 while organizing scientific conferences. Through our project, the participation of 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗚𝗢𝘀, 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗻𝘀 at the pilot site will equip them with 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 to monitor the environmental impact of fossil fuel extraction, including tracking surface water contamination. 👉 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and help us amplify this cause! 🔎 Together, we are driving meaningful change for a cleaner, more sustainable future! 🌍♻️ #PilotSite #Sustainability #Decarbonization #EnvironmentalProtection #GreenFuture #EKOPrzyjezierze #CleanEnergy International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam | COVA Contro | Social IT srl | Universitat de Barcelona | Instytut Antropologii i Etnologii UAM w Poznaniu | Source International ETS | ALDA Projects - European Association for Local Democracy

📢 Spotlight on ERICA Deliverables: A Guide for Citizen Science Environmental Monitoring 🌍 As part of the ERICA Project, we’ve developed a key deliverable: the A2.2 Report on tools and technologies for environmental monitoring of the fossil fuel industry. But why is this report important? 🤔 🔬 If you want to monitor pollution through citizen science, this report is for you! It provides: ✅ A review of the most relevant pollutants ✅ Low-cost, DIY, and user-friendly monitoring technologies ✅ Technical specifications, functionalities & protocols ✅ Health risks, legislation & toxicological profiles ✅ Case studies from three regions with insights from local communities This resource is designed to empower individuals, activists, and organizations with practical tools to track environmental pollution in a reliable and accessible way. 📥 Read the full report on the ERICA website: 👉 https://lnkd.in/dp7y-7py #CitizenScience #EnvironmentalMonitoring #DIYTech #FossilFuelPollution #ERICAProject International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam | COVA Contro | Social IT srl | Universitat de Barcelona | Instytut Antropologii i Etnologii UAM w Poznaniu | Source International ETS | ALDA Projects - European Association for Local Democracy

🌊 Good Karma Projects: On the Frontline Against Microplastic Pollution! 🌍 On December 17th, during the ERICA project's annual meeting at the Tarragona pilot site, we met Guillaume and Miki from Good Karma Projects, a non-profit organization fighting microplastic contamination. 🚨 The reality? Shocking. The Mediterranean coastline near the Tarragona petrochemical complex is completely covered in plastic pellets. 👥 Their mission? Engaging the community! Through participatory sampling activities, Good Karma has already raised awareness among more than 5,000 people, including children and adults, about the spread of microplastics in the environment. 💙 From La Pineda beach, we saw firsthand their incredible work to protect our seas and rivers. A crucial effort to shine a light on a problem often invisible but with devastating effects. 🙏 A huge thank you to Good Karma Projects for sharing their work with us and for the passion they bring to this vital cause! #goodkarmaprojects #microplastics #PlasticPollution #saveouroceans #beachcleanup #ericaproject International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam | COVA Contro | Social IT srl | Universitat de Barcelona | Instytut Antropologii i Etnologii UAM w Poznaniu | Source International ETS| alda* - European Association for Local Democracy

🌍🔬 ERICA Project: Sharing Insights & Sparking Discussions in Poznań! 🌍 On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Dr. Karolina Dziubata-Smykowska and Dr. Marek Jaskólski took the stage at the Institute of Anthropology and Ethnology at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań to present the assumptions and first results of the ERICA project. With nearly 30 participants—including faculty, students, and guests—the seminar sparked an engaging discussion, providing valuable insights that will help shape the project's platform. A big thank you to everyone who joined and contributed to this inspiring exchange! Stay tuned for more updates on ERICA's journey. 🚀💡 #ERICAProject #CitizenScience #Anthropology #Ethnology #Innovation #ResearchImpact International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam | COVA Contro | Social IT srl | Universitat de Barcelona | Instytut Instytut Antropologii i Etnologii UAM w Poznaniu | Source International ETS | alda* - European Association for Local Democracy

🌍 ERICA: Working with local communities for a sustainable future!🪴 During the annual meeting of the ERICA project in Tarragona, we had the opportunity to meet with the mayor of El Morell and several local civil organisations. 📍 ✨ Highlights: 🤝 Institutional meeting: At El Morell Town Hall, the mayor presented ongoing environmental studies carried out in collaboration with social organisations and a new initiative to install air sensors in municipal buildings to monitor volatile organic compounds. 🌐 Open dialogue: We hosted a meeting with activists, journalists and environmental justice experts to present our e-booklet and gather valuable feedback. 💡 These moments of dialogue with the local community reflect ERICA's commitment to promoting collaborative solutions to environmental challenges. Follow the ERICA project to keep up with our activities and see how we work towards a greener future! 🌿 International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam | COVA Contro | Social IT srl | Universitat de Barcelona | Instytut Antropologii i Etnologii UAM w Poznaniu | Source International ETS | alda* - European Association for Local Democracy

🌍 Empowering Citizens to Protect Their Environment 🪴 Have you ever wondered how YOU can monitor the health of your environment? 💡 Section 4 of the ERICA e-booklet explores affordable tools and technologies for monitoring air and water quality, including DIY sensors, low-cost kits, and innovative citizen science initiatives. Whether tracking air pollutants or assessing water quality, these tools make environmental monitoring accessible to all! 📖 Ready to explore these tools and take action? Check out the full e-booklet here: https://lnkd.in/dm3Jkefc Acquire knowledge to create a positive change in the society! 💪 💫 #ErasmusPlus #environmentalmonitoring #citizenscience International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam | COVA Contro | Social IT srl | Universitat de Barcelona | Instytut Antropologii i Etnologii UAM w Poznaniu | Source International ETS | alda* - European Association for Local Democracy

🌍 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐈𝐒𝐒 🌍 The International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam is a globally recognized research and teaching center focused on social and economic justice, development studies, and international cooperation. 📍 Located in The Hague, ISS brings together scholars and students worldwide to address pressing global issues like poverty, inequality, and environmental justice. The team involved in the ERICA project: Lorenzo Pellegrini and Francesca Savoldi are the ISS-based participants of the ERICA project. ▶️ Lorenzo is a professor of economics of environment and development, working on environmental justice and the intersection of development and environmental policies, focusing on Latin America. ▶️Francesca is a human geographer who works on issues of politics and space, environmental justice, participatory action, and community-led development. Together, their work reflects ISS’s commitment to impactful, socially driven research that empowers communities worldwide. #socialjustice #ResearchForChange #ISS #erasmusuniversity International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam | COVA Contro | Social IT srl | Universitat de Barcelona | Instytut Antropologii i Etnologii UAM w Poznaniu | Source International ETS | alda* - European Association for Local Democracy

🎄 💫 Happy Holidays from the ERICA team! 🎄 💫 As we approach the end of 2024, we would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported and followed our journey so far. We wish everyone a happy end of the year and an inspiring start to the new year! Stay tuned for more exciting news from the ERICA project in 2025. Warm regards, The ERICA Team International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam | COVA CONTRO | Social IT srl | Universitat de Barcelona | Instytut Antropologii i Etnologii UAM w Poznaniu | Source International ETS | alda* - European Association for Local Democracy

ERICA Project: Insights and Collaboration in Tarragona 🤝 From December 16th to 18th, the ERICA project partners gathered in Tarragona, Spain, for an intensive and productive second project meeting. Highlights of the event included: 🔹 Field visits to explore local environmental and industrial dynamics 👩🏭🏭 🔹 Engaging discussions with civil society organizations such as Plataforma Cel Net 📢 🔹 Strengthened collaborations with academic institutions and local authorities ✍🏼 These three days of teamwork and exchange brought new insights and strengthened our shared commitment to creating a positive impact on communities and the environment. A heartfelt thank you to the @Universitat de Barcelona for hosting us and to all the partners for their invaluable contributions! #ErasmusPlus #CitizenScience #Environment #InnovativeEducation #Sustainability International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam | COVA Contro | Social IT srl | Universitat de Barcelona | Instytut Antropologii i Etnologii UAM w Poznaniu | Source International ETS | alda* - European Association for Local Democracy