SENSOR Partners Gather in Rome for WP3 Training on Whistleblowing and Environmental Protection

The partners of the SENSOR project (project ID: 101215243) met in Rome in Italy, for a two-day training activity organised under Work Package 3 (WP3), focusing on capacity building for civil society organisations, national and local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders working on environmental protection and whistleblowing practices.

The meeting brought together representatives from Cyprus, Italy, Poland, and Sweden, to strengthen cooperation and advance the project’s shared objective of promoting whistleblowing as an effective tool for environmental protection and the achievement of the European Union’s climate neutrality goals. During the training sessions, partners exchanged expertise and explored innovative educational approaches aimed at improving awareness, understanding, and implementation of whistleblower protection frameworks across Europe.

The training formed part of WP3, which focuses on capacity building activities targeting CSOs, public authorities, and policymakers. Discussions addressed the current challenges surrounding whistleblower protection, reporting procedures, and the role of transparency and accountability in tackling environmental wrongdoing. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening collaboration between public institutions, civil society organisations, and citizens.

The University of Nicosia Research Foundation (UNRF), coordinator of the SENSOR project, led the development of the educational material used during the training activities. As outlined in the project proposal, UNRF is responsible for coordinating the research component of the project and leading the preparation of the WP3 educational resources and training content. The material was designed using interactive and non-formal learning methodologies to encourage active participation, dialogue, and knowledge exchange among participants.

The sessions in Rome also provided an opportunity for partners to review the progress achieved so far under the project and to prepare the next implementation phases, including awareness-raising activities, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and public outreach actions planned in the participating countries.Over the coming months, the consortium will continue implementing activities aimed at strengthening whistleblower protection ecosystems and promoting environmental accountability across Europe. Upcoming actions include:

• delivery of additional training activities and workshops for CSOs and public authorities;
• engagement with policymakers and stakeholders to discuss improvements to whistleblower protection frameworks;
• development and dissemination of educational and awareness-raising materials;
• public engagement activities designed to increase understanding of whistleblowing procedures and citizens’ rights;
• promotion of innovative non-formal learning approaches, including interactive educational tools and activities.

Through these actions, the SENSOR project aims to contribute to stronger transparency mechanisms, greater public awareness, and more effective protection of the environment through active citizenship and responsible reporting practices.