On 30 May 2025, a group of practitioners and experts from across the agri-food and land-use sectors met at the Corte Benedettina in Legnaro (Padua), Italy for the EARTHONE project’s first regional co-creation workshop organised by the DAFNAE – University of Padova. The goal was to align the development of digital tools for climate adaptation and GHG reduction with the real-world perspectives of those directly impacted by environmental challenges.

Engaging stakeholders in tool design

Rather than presenting pre-packaged solutions, the workshop invited input from farmers, municipal representatives, consultants, associations, and academics. The focus was on three interconnected tools currently under development:

  • a scenario builder combined with AI-based decision support
  • a multi-sensor ecosystem for land-use monitoring
  • and an information factory designed to integrate and process environmental data

Each tool was introduced through short demos and hands-on group exercises, followed by structured SWOT analyses and feedback collection. This format encouraged active participation and grounded discussion about how digital systems can support daily decision-making in agriculture and land management.

Reception of the EARTHONE approach

Participants responded positively to the EARTHONE system’s potential, particularly its adaptability and scientific neutrality. Many were already familiar with sensors and AI applications, but the concept of the information factory stood out as a novel and promising component.

Concerns were also raised, notably around data privacy and the energy requirements of operating such systems. These inputs provide a valuable counterbalance to technical development and will be taken into account in future iterations of the tools.

One of the most promising opportunities identified during the session was the possibility of creating region-specific subsystems using the same EARTHONE framework. Stakeholders emphasised the value of incorporating local knowledge and datasets into the platform to better reflect regional conditions, risks, and priorities.

A collaborative setting

Throughout the day, participants engaged in open dialogue with one another and the project team. The format of the workshop, combining structured analysis with informal conversation, created an environment where insights could be shared across professional backgrounds and organisational roles.

The Italian workshop is part of a broader series of regional engagements that will inform how EARTHONE’s tools are adapted to user needs across Europe. By integrating early and direct feedback into its design process, the project aims to deliver tools that are not only technically sound but also widely usable and relevant to those managing land in a changing climate.

Next regional co-creation workshop will take place on Jun 13, 2025 in Greece.