Citizen science for mapping odour pollution
D-NOSES: Distributed Network for Odour Sensing Empowerment and Sustainability. 2018-2021
Client:
The challenge:
Managing pollution from odours with citizen science.
The change we seek:
Design improvements in the management of odours in cities in a participatory manner with citizens, industries, authorities and experts.
The process:
D-NOSES (Distributed Network for Odour Sensing Empowerment and Sustainability) is a European project (H2020-Swafs-2016-17-789315) that aims to empower citizens and involve them in civic actions to combat odour pollution, promoting commitment and promoting participatory strategies at all levels. The initiative applies co-creation processes, scientific research, citizen science and other tools to involve affected communities and relevant stakeholders of the quadruple helix in the channeling of quantitative and open data and in the co-design of local solutions. As a result, the project seeks to pave the way for future regulations, with an approach to upward and multilevel governance. It has also guaranteed access to information through the creation of the International Odour Observatory, a participatory online tool.
The pioneer pilot of the project is coordinated by Fundación Ibercivis and Ideas For Change and focuses on the Fòrum area of Barcelona, an urban area facing the sea where the largest wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Catalonia, along with a sludge treatment facility, a waste incinerator and an integral municipal solid waste treatment plant (MSW) are operating very close to the neighbours, thus producing an impact in the smell of the area. The quadruple propeller approach is a key part of the pilot methodology, as it allows the participation of public authorities, odour emission industries, academia and citizens in the codification of local improvements, with the aim of reducing discomfort and increasing the quality of life while promoting local change.
D-NOSES partners:
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