SFC Showcases Citizen Science Solutions for Climate-Resilient Agriculture at EU Living Labs Conference

Driving Innovation through Collaboration

The conference underscored the critical need for these innovative, collaborative approaches to meet the EU’s climate neutrality goals, particularly within agriculture – a sector vital for food security but also a significant contributor to emissions. Living Labs were highlighted as key drivers for developing and scaling impactful, locally-adapted solutions, especially crucial in climate-vulnerable regions like the Mediterranean.

SFC Highlights Citizen Science in Action

During the “Showcase of Technologies and Solutions” session on Day 2, SFC hosted an informative stand detailing its services and tools. Central to their showcase was SFC’s proven methodology centered on Citizen Science facilitated by technological platforms. They highlighted how engaging communities directly in data collection generates robust, large-scale datasets vital for scientific research, effective policymaking, and increasing public awareness.

Contributing to Key Discussions

Beyond the showcase, the SFC team actively contributed to focused discussions within Working Group 3 (Nature-Based Solutions & Ecosystem Restoration) and Working Group 4 (Climate-Smart Food Systems, Circular Bioeconomy & Market Transitions). They shared ideas and perspectives drawn from SFC’s extensive project experience, reinforcing the value of participatory methods in developing sustainable land management practices and resilient food networks. Participants engaged deeply in small working groups identifying barriers, analysing facilitators, and crafting shared actions to drive forward climate-resilient solutions.

Building Future Partnerships

The conference provided a fertile ground for networking. The SFC team engaged in numerous conversations with potential partners and clients, exploring opportunities for future collaborations and projects. A key outcome was advancing discussions around SFC’s capacity to act as a “Living Lab as a Service,” offering its expertise in citizen engagement and co-creation methodologies to other organizations implementing climate solutions.

As the agricultural sector navigates the complexities of climate change, collaborative platforms like Living Labs are essential. SFC remains committed to playing a key role, leveraging citizen science and technology to co-create effective, sustainable, and socially inclusive solutions for a climate-neutral future.