30 Oct Blog | Assessing Stakeholder Engagement and Air Quality Strategies Across the MI-TRAP 10 City Pilots
by Dr. Giorgos Chatzinakos & Georgia Tseva | AMARANTHUS
The MI-TRAP project has completed an important phase of in-depth learning on its ten City Pilot Studies, focusing on their stakeholder and citizen engagement maturity. This initial study provides a foundation for launching targeted engagement activities tailored to each city’s unique conditions and air pollution metrics, which will be implemented throughout the project.
Key insights reveal the diversity in geographical and environmental contexts influencing air quality across the cities. Milan and Prague, for instance, face significant pollution challenges due to geographic factors, such as trapped air during temperature inversions, which concentrates pollutants. In coastal cities like Rotterdam, Lisbon and Dunkerque, maritime and industrial emissions are primary contributors to pollution. Traffic emissions remain a common challenge across cities including Berlin, Athens, Florence, Copenhagen, and Aarhus, with specific issues such as outdated vehicle use in Athens and tourism-driven congestion in Florence. Zurich faces challenges from non-exhaust emissions, particularly from train brakes and other sources. Lille needs to tackle a unique combination of pollution from both extensive vehicular traffic and regional agricultural activities.
Stakeholder engagement maturity varies significantly across the cities studied. Zurich, Berlin, Copenhagen, Aarhus and Rotterdam showcase well-integrated frameworks for community involvement. In contrast, Lille, Dunkerque and Prague are still in the process of developing robust local engagement structures. Governance and policy also play a crucial role in shaping these dynamics; for instance, Zurich and Copenhagen benefit from proactive regulatory environments, while Prague faces challenges due to limited governmental initiatives. Lisbon stands out for its strong stakeholder engagement framework that focuses on environmental advocacy and citizen science efforts. Florence has implemented a range of engagement strategies, including public meetings and collaborations with local stakeholders. Meanwhile, although Athens has ongoing initiatives that reflect a structured approach to stakeholder engagement, its strategy remains in a developmental stage rather than exhibiting full maturity.
While the challenge of meeting European Air Quality Standards persists, this analysis highlights the MITRAP framework’s necessity for adaptive strategies that encompass both technological innovation and stakeholder engagement. Within such a framework, leading cities can serve as models for best practices, while emerging cities receive tailored support to accelerate their efforts in improving air quality.
Stay tuned for more detailed information on the technological advancements and stakeholder engagement strategies implemented within the project!
About the Authors
Georgia Tseva is a Research Associate at the University of Thessaly and AMARANTHUS, specializing in transformative climate solutions with a background in Political Science, Applied Geography, and Spatial Planning. Giorgos Chatzinakos is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Thessaly, with experience in teaching and research on alternative economies and urban culture, holding degrees from Manchester Metropolitan University and Vrije Universiteit Brussel.