Project Description:
Developed in the Simeto River Valley in eastern Sicily, the RIVER PRO project is an initiative that addresses the pressing challenges of water management in the face of climate change. This project leverages the power of Citizen Science to empower local communities, fostering grassroots engagement and data-driven advocacy to reshape the governance of the Simeto River. For decades, the Simeto River has faced critical water management issues, further strained by increasing droughts and erratic rainfall patterns.
RIVER PRO aims to push for a new approach to watershed governance inspired by proactive conservation and a Community of Practice. This initiative brings citizens, businesses, farmers, and institutions together to share water management practices and develop innovative solutions. Through Citizens Science, the local community will collect vital quantitative data on water quality and qualitative insights into river usage, advocating for a reimagined governance for the health and sustainability of the Simeto River.
Project Type: Kickstarting Grant
Theme: Justice and Equity, Climate
Mentor:Jacqueline Goldin
RIVER PRO: A Citizen Science Initiative for the Simeto River
The RIVER PRO project, developed in the Simeto River Valley in Sicily, is a pioneering initiative addressing the urgent challenges of water management in the face of climate change. By leveraging citizen science, RIVER PRO empowers local communities to engage in data collection, advocacy, and innovative governance practices. This community-driven approach emphasizes awareness, education, and empowerment, demonstrating that collective action can lead to meaningful change.
The project activities were conducted along the Simeto River, focusing on monitoring its health and engaging the local population. Key activities included:
- Water quality monitoring: Students from a training school specializing in agriculture participated in hands-on testing of water samples to measure essential quality parameters (pH, temperature, nitrates, phosphates, hardness, and turbidity).
- Weekly photo documentation: Four key points along the river were photographed weekly, capturing visible changes in the river’s condition over time.
- Stakeholder interviews: Researchers, citizens, institutions, and farmers were interviewed to gather insights into the river’s use, governance challenges, and potential improvements.
- Collection of documents and maps: Historical and contemporary maps and studies related to the Simeto River’s geography, hydrology, management practices, and cultural heritage were gathered to create a comprehensive database of the river’s status and changes over time.
These activities not only generated valuable data but also heightened community awareness of the river’s vital role in local ecosystems and livelihoods.
For decades, the Simeto River has faced significant water management challenges, further exacerbated by climate change. Erratic rainfall patterns and recurring droughts have led to dwindling water availability and declining river health. RIVER PRO seeks to reverse this trend by fostering a Community of Practice, where stakeholders share knowledge, co-create solutions, and advocate for a reimagined watershed governance model.
By engaging the community in scientific research, RIVER PRO not only generates valuable data but also cultivates a sense of ownership and responsibility. This grassroots involvement is critical for sustainable water management and addressing broader environmental challenges affecting the region.
The project was supported by IMPETUS, which provided essential resources, tools, and training to enhance our efforts. With their assistance, we gained access to monitoring equipment, learned best practices in data collection, and improved our stakeholder engagement strategies. Additionally, IMPETUS helped refine our approach to citizen science, emphasizing the importance of collaborative problem-solving and inclusive governance. Through this partnership, we enhanced our skills in project management, scientific analysis, and community mobilization. These lessons will serve as a foundation for future initiatives.
The RIVER PRO project marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to protecting the Simeto River. Next steps include expanding the monitoring network by involving more schools, community groups, and organizations, using the collected data for policy advocacy to influence water management decisions, and strengthening the Community of Practice through workshops and forums to keep stakeholders engaged.
Our goal is to make the Simeto River a model for sustainable watershed governance, demonstrating how collective action and science can benefit both people and nature.
