Local Action with Global Impact: The Case of the GROW Observatory and the Sustainable Development Goals

Ajates, R., Hager, G. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2259-0278, Georgiadis, P., Coulson, S., Woods, M., & Hemment, D. (2020). Local Action with Global Impact: The Case of the GROW Observatory and the Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainability 12 (24) e10518. 10.3390/su122410518.

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Project: GROW Observatory (GROW, H2020 690199), An Ecosystem of Citizen Observatories for Environmental Monitoring (WeObserve, H2020 776740)

Abstract

This article reports on Citizen Observatories’ (COs) potential to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting on the experience of the GROW Observatory (GROW). The research aims to take the first steps in closing the gap in the literature on COs’ potential contributions to the SDG framework, beyond quantitative data contributions for indicator monitoring. Following an analysis of project activities and outcomes mapped against the SDG framework, the findings reveal GROW’s potential contributions across two dimensions: (i) Actions to advance the implementation of goals and targets through awareness raising and training; participatory methods; multi-stakeholder connections; and supporting citizens to move from data to action and (ii) Data contributions to SDG indicator monitoring through citizen-generated datasets. While earlier research has focused mostly on the latter (dimension ii), CO activities can impact numerous goals and targets, highlighting their potential to relate global SDGs to local level action, and vice versa. These findings align with the growing literature on COs’ ability to bring together policy makers, scientists and citizens, and support changes to environmental policy and practice. Furthermore, this research suggests groundwork activities that address the goal and target level can also enhance sustained data collection to contribute to indicator level monitoring. We conclude with future trends and recommendations for COs wishing to contribute to the SDGs.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Citizen Observatory; Sustainable Development Goals; participatory policy making; co-design; citizen science; SDG indicators; open data
Research Programs: Ecosystems Services and Management (ESM)
Depositing User: Luke Kirwan
Date Deposited: 17 Dec 2020 11:00
Last Modified: 27 Aug 2021 17:34
URI: https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/16942

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