Rome, 12 April 2026– A Citizen Science awareness session was held at the Monte Ciocci Urban Garden, engaging approximately 15 members of the local community in an initiative aimed at promoting participatory environmental monitoring within the framework of the REALURBANGREEN project.
The session was led by Giorgio Scavino, Citizen Science expert at Risorse per Roma S.p.A., and represented an important step in building a local community of practice focused on urban ecosystem monitoring, biodiversity protection, and sustainable management of green spaces.
The activity builds on the results of the first stakeholder engagement questionnaire, which highlighted strong community interest in taking an active role in the care, observation, and improvement of the urban garden. The feedback collected also emphasized the need for practical tools, hands-on training, and inclusive approaches to environmental learning.
During the session, participants were introduced to the principles of Citizen Science as a collaborative approach that connects citizens and researchers in the production of environmental data and knowledge. The initiative was framed within the broader objectives of the REALURBANGREEN project, which promotes Nature-Based Solutions and participatory governance models for Urban Green Spaces.
A key focus of the meeting was the preparation for the upcoming field-based Citizen Science workshop scheduled for 15 April 2026, which will be conducted with the participation of Giuliano Blancato, researcher from the University of Valencia, partner of the project. During the workshop, participants will use a dedicated Citizen Science toolkit composed of 24 monitoring tests covering soil quality, biodiversity, infiltration capacity, compaction, and microclimatic conditions.
The upcoming session will represent the first operational application of the GREENGAGE monitoring approach at Monte Ciocci, turning the urban garden into a living laboratory for collaborative environmental observation and data collection.
By strengthening the link between citizens, researchers, and public institutions, the REALURBANGREEN project aims to foster more inclusive, evidence-based, and sustainable management of urban green areas, while enhancing community ownership and environmental awareness.
Monte Ciocci Urban Garden continues to evolve as a pilot site for innovative participatory practices, demonstrating how Citizen Science can support urban resilience, ecological transition, and shared stewardship of common green spaces.
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- Giorgio Scavino during the Citizen Science program presentation
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- During the meeting hosted by Monte Ciocci Urban Community Park
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- Entrance of “Orto Urbano Comunitario Monte Ciocci”
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- Flyer of the Citizen Science activity in Monte Ciocci Park
