Sensor Networks for Sustainable Cities: Empowering Albanian and Kosovar young researchers for utilization of open infrastructures

Anjeza Sinani

Funding Area: Capacity building / Construcción de capacidad

Problem Statement: The proposed work addresses two key problems in Albania and Kosovo: a lack of knowledge among young researchers regarding open-source infrastructure for environmental protection and the scarcity of materials in Albanian language to guide them in utilizing such technology. This project aims to empower young researchers involved in the areas of data and environmental sciences through capacity building, providing training workshops on open-source platforms for measuring seismic movements and air pollution. By bridging the knowledge gap, the project enables researchers to actively contribute to environmental protection and decision-making. Additionally, the translation of platform modules and documentation into Albanian makes these resources accessible, benefiting the broader data and environmental community and fostering collaboration within the open-source community. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to elevate research and data contributions, ensuring a more informed and impactful approach to environmental issues in the region.

Proposed Activities: A1. Preparation of training modules, utilization guide and translation to Albanian. Recognizing the knowledge and language barrier faced by young researchers, the project aims to address this issue by engaging 2 experts in open infrastructure, 2 in environmental monitoring and protection and 1 professional translator to prepare and convert the platform modules and documentation into teachable modules in the Albanian language. This activity is planned to span approximately four months. A2. Training workshops - sensor installation and software utilization. To address the lack of knowledge among young researchers, hands-on training workshops will be conducted for sensor installation related to seismic and air pollution monitoring. 2 experienced trainers with expertise in this domain will impart essential knowledge on sensor placement, calibration techniques, data collection, and quality assurance. Collaboration with local universities and research institutions will be ensured in selecting 20 participants and providing them with training. The 20 young researchers involved will also be trained in the efficient utilization of the open-source platforms for data collection, analysis, and visualization. The preparation and workshops will be organized and implemented over a period of 3 months in Kosovo, with a total of 4 sessions to cater to different groups of researchers. A3. Design and implementation of mini-environmental projects. Two environmental experts will hold a 5-days summer school (on the 8th and 9th month of the project) working in project design and implementation in topics specifically related to environmental monitoring and protection using the open-source software. The 20 young researchers will also be provided with leadership skills that will help them communicate their proposals to decision-makers in the future. A4. Dissemination of results. To share the project's findings, lessons learned, modules in Albanian language and success stories (mini-projects), the team will publish research outcomes in both organizations' websites and social media platforms, as well as other relevant open-access platforms. Additionally, participation in mass-media interviews will be sought to raise awareness, promote collaboration, and garner interest in the project's achievements. This activity will be ongoing throughout the project, with results shared as they become available. The 10th month will be dedicated to reporting all activities.

Openness: Open source platforms. The project aims to utilize 2 open-source platforms for seismic and pollution data measurement, namely https://stationview.raspberryshake.org and smartcitizen.me. The data shown in these platforms is gathered by sensors installed in Albania and Kosovo. Both open-source software are open and freely accessible, allowing unrestricted use, modification, and distribution of the data. Open access to training. Capacity building workshops and modules in Albanian language for sensor installation and software utilization will be open to young 20 researchers in Albania and Kosovo, promoting knowledge sharing and inclusivity. Furthermore, all materials will be published online on both organizations' websites, with open access. Translation in Albanian. By translating platform modules into Albanian, the project ensures accessibility for Albanian-speaking researchers, encouraging broader participation. Dissemination of results. The project will openly share findings online, promoting global collaboration and knowledge dissemination. Collaboration and partnerships. Engaging with national universities and research institutions fosters open decision-making and resource sharing. Open-Source community contribution. Capacity building empowers young researchers to contribute actively to the open-source community, fostering ongoing development.

Challenges: Awareness and interest. Young researchers in Albania and Kosovo might lack awareness of open-source infrastructure benefits for environmental monitoring and protection. Raising awareness and demonstrating success stories will be vital to engage their interest. Language barrier. Translating technical content into Albanian accurately may be challenging. Ensuring quality and clarity in the translations will be crucial to avoid misunderstandings. Data quality and calibration. Accurate data collection and sensor calibration are essential. Ensuring proper procedures and quality control will impact research credibility. Cultural sensitivity. Tailoring training to the audience's cultural context is essential for effective capacity building. The project foresees to engage 10 young women researchers and 10 young men researchers.

Neglectedness: Open-source infrastructure is not widely known in the Balkan region. Furthermore, there are no donors that give funds specifically in this area. Under these circumstances, the only options have been applying for grants given to general topics, while trying to channel them in the two organizations’ areas of work. Build Green Group has received a fund from GIZ Albania and PONT for creating open source platforms for sustainable nature tourism. FLOSSK has received grants for the implementation of Smart Farm and Elektronika projects.

Success: Used indicators are: Increased awareness and adoption. Success is reflected in higher awareness and adoption of open-source platforms among young researchers in Albania and Kosovo. Monitoring workshop participation and feedback on resource usefulness will3 provide insights. Research contributions. Success is seen in the quantity and quality of research contributions by trained researchers using the open-source platforms. Tracking data sets and mini-projects indicates the project's impact on environmental research. Sensor Installations and data collection. Success is evaluated by successful sensor installations and data collection in selected locations, contributing to environmental monitoring. Capacity building effectiveness. Success is measured through participant feedback and evaluations, indicating knowledge gain and confidence in utilizing the open-source platforms. This information will be gathered using a survey. Translation impact. Success is assessed by the accessibility and utilization of translated platform modules in Albanian. Feedback on clarity and usefulness indicates impact. Collaboration and partnerships. Success is gauged by the strength and sustainability of collaborations with national universities, research institutions and NGOs. Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: Success is demonstrated by providing open-source training materials, environmental monitoring and protection mini-projects, ensuring ongoing research contributions, and resource utilization.

Total Budget: USD 29,100

Affiliations: Build Green Group non-profit in Albania & Free Libre Open Source Software Kosova in Kosovo

LMIE Carveout: The project will be implemented completely in 2 upper-middle-income economies, namely Albania and Kosovo. Both organizations are legally established in these 2 countries. The team is comprised by Albanian and Kosovar nationals only, living and residing in their respective countries. The user, contributors, trainees, researchers will be nationals of these countries, living and studying in higher education institutions in both Albania and Kosovo. The project addresses SDG no. 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG No.13 - Climate Action. After the end of the project, the sensors will remain active ensuring sustainability of the project.

Team Skills: Our team comprises two key organizations: Build Green Group-a research and environmental NGO and FLOSSK an NGO focused in promoting and developing open source software. Together, we bring: Research and environmental expertise. The research and environmental NGO brings in-depth knowledge of environmental issues, data collection methodologies, and expertise in conducting scientific research. This experience is essential in guiding the project's focus on measuring seismic movements and air pollution accurately. Open source proficiency. The open software development NGO possesses extensive knowledge and proficiency in open-source technologies, including platform development and utilization. Their expertise ensures the successful implementation and adaptation of open-source platforms for the project's objectives. Capacity building experience. Both organizations have a proven track record in delivering effective capacity building programs. Their experience in conducting training workshops and engaging with researchers will ensure the successful transfer of knowledge to young Albanian and Kosovar researchers. Language and cultural understanding. Both teams are Albanian language native Speakers. Their familiarity with the local language and cultural context is vital in translating platform modules into Albanian and designing training materials that resonate with the participants, fostering better comprehension and engagement

Submission Number: 29