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The Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI) was the big winner at the this week. Their Atlantic Geohazard Risk Management (AGEO) project, supported by , emerged with two awards.

The RegioStars Awards have become Europe’s label of excellence for EU-funded projects that demonstrate the impact and inclusiveness of regional development. There were five categories of awards, in addition to the overall Public Choice Award. AGEO won in the ‘A Green Europe’ category and was chosen from a five finalists, shortlisted from 266 entries. The AGEO project was also honoured with the ‘Public Choice’ award, voted on by just under 20 000 citizens from all across Europe. AGEO received around 2000 of the votes. 

The AGEO project brought together scientists, local communities and governments to address geohazards in the Atlantic region through citizen science, Earth observation and innovative risk management tools. By implementing five pilot citizens’ observatories in the Atlantic region, the project demonstrated how to empower local communities to engage in early warning systems and climate challenges, working with local stakeholders at all levels.

The Citizens’ Observatory in Northern Ireland (NI) was developed at the Giant Causeway, where GSNI Kieran Parker, senior geohazards geologist, and Dr Kirstin Lemon, science programme manager, worked closely with external partners and engaged comprehensively with a range of stakeholders.

We are pleased to have come away with two awards at the RegioStars Awards for our AGEO project which brought together a number of stakeholders to help empower local communities to participate in early warning systems.

Dr Kirstin Lemon, GSNI Science Programme Manager.

Encouraged by the European Commission, the project partners are now exploring ways to develop the next stage for AGEO, hoping to bring the experiences of the project to a wider European audience.