D2.3 'RURALITIES Project Impact Sensing' handbook

Deliverable D2.3 is an integral part of the ‘T2.3 - Co-create the Citizen Sensing system part of the project monitoring framework.’ This document serves as a handbook for SIMSES leaders and facilitators, outlining the impact monitoring framework of the ‘RURALITIES Project Impact Sensing’, a participatory monitoring system of the environmental, economic, social and societal nexus (RURNex). The system comprises the citizen sensing methodology and the RURALITIES Citizen Sensing Online Interface that is described in D2.7. Rooted in the work programme topic (outcomes) and destination (impact) definitions, this impact monitoring framework is designed to be directly implemented in the project’s selected SIMSES, integrating place-specific evidence. Furthermore, this framework will also be used as a reference in the various capacity-raising activities developed through WP7 and WP8. The ‘RURALITIES Project Impact Sensing’ was co-created with SIMSES leaders through communication during the RURALITIES Biweekly SIMSES Calls, and the progress was validated and tracked by the WP2 leader EQUIP, T2.4 leader UPM, and Earthwatch, who provided relevant inputs. Furthermore, D2.3 secures tangible, measurable pathways to achieve and demonstrate impact across all expected outcomes (EOT-1 to EOT-5) and Work Programme destination impacts (EID-1 to EID-6). RURALITIES Citizen Sensing directly involves rural people in impact monitoring. This empowers communities to express themselves and provides the consortium with the necessary data for adjusting the activities and further improving the impact, thus creating a positive feedback mechanism. In other words, this data feeds into the broader RURALITIES discussion, enabling early detection of issues and facilitating adequate responses. D2.3 presents a foundation for identifying and embedding local initiatives through WP6 and fostering horizontal learning exchanges. This is important for enhancing rural communities’ capacity to identify pragmatic solutions or adapt existing innovations to their local contexts. In addition, RURALITIES Citizen Sensing emphasizes broad participation (women, youth, marginalized groups, illiterate participants, etc.).