SubsidieMeestersDIgitalisation for biocultural diVERsity and Environmental justice
DIVERSE aims to theorize an alternative model of digital transformation for environmental justice by analyzing grassroots initiatives and proposing concepts like "life-centred digitalisation."
Projectdetails
Introduction
Does the digital divide deprive movements for environmental justice (EJ) and in defence of biocultural diversity from the benefits of digitalisation? DIVERSE’s hypotheses resist the idea.
Digital Transformation from the Ground Up
From drone monitoring of forests to indigenous digital media and online mapping to vindicate stories of resistance and transformation, a digital transformation from the ground up may not only be paving the way for just and diverse futures but also for an alternative understanding of digitalisation.
Research Gaps
Yet no large-scale scientific study has examined the occurrence of digitalisation in grassroots transformative initiatives (GTI) nor theorised its effects. While elite-and growth-driven digital innovations are redefining lifestyles and overall imaginaries of the future, a strong debate in the fields of political ecology and EJ involves two confronted views:
- Celebratory
- Technophobic
These views focus on the likelihood of enfranchising technologies.
Overarching Goal
DIVERSE’s overarching goal is to theorise an alternative model of digital transformation rooted in relationality (care, community, personal connection) that emerges from GTI in their pursuit of diverse worlds and EJ.
Methodology
The ground-breaking approach combines qualitative data with quantitative methods and models to analyse these data. This includes:
- Expert interviews and databases compilation worldwide
- Case studies and biographical interviews across continents
- Two newly created indices: transformative effectiveness and GTI digitalisation
- A first global compilation of digital practices in GTI
This methodology offers both an understanding of causal chains and a basis for generalisation.
New Concepts
DIVERSE proposes the new concepts of:
- Life-centred digitalisation: including both livelihoods and ecology
- Situated digital leadership: disclosing the specific links of digitalisation with changes in material experiences, situated knowledge, and place-based digital ecologies.
Theoretical Foundations
My ultimate goal in terms of theory is to lay out the foundations of a political ecology of digitalisation.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
| Subsidiebedrag | € 2.133.101 |
| Totale projectbegroting | € 2.133.101 |
Tijdlijn
| Startdatum | 1-1-2025 |
| Einddatum | 31-12-2029 |
| Subsidiejaar | 2025 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- UNIVERSIDAD POMPEU FABRApenvoerder
Land(en)
Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council
| Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Investigating opportunities for transformative change in biodiversity conservation: from Big Data analytics to Gamification.This project investigates the indirect sociocultural and economic drivers of biodiversity loss using innovative methods to enhance conservation actions and transform human-nature relationships. | ERC Consolid... | € 1.999.928 | 2025 | Details |
Digital Time Use, Adolescent Well-Being and Social InequalitiesDIGINEQ investigates how adolescents' digital engagement influences social inequalities in well-being, using innovative time-use methods and interventions to promote healthier digital habits. | ERC Consolid... | € 1.999.589 | 2024 | Details |
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Digitizing Other Economies: A Comparative Approach
This project investigates how non-industrial societies adapt digital technologies within their unique economic systems and values, aiming to understand the impact on global economic diversity.
Three Generations of Digital Human Rights
This research program analyzes the evolution of digital human rights and protection strategies in response to online challenges, employing multiple methodologies to assess their effectiveness and legitimacy.
Investigating opportunities for transformative change in biodiversity conservation: from Big Data analytics to Gamification.
This project investigates the indirect sociocultural and economic drivers of biodiversity loss using innovative methods to enhance conservation actions and transform human-nature relationships.
Digital Time Use, Adolescent Well-Being and Social Inequalities
DIGINEQ investigates how adolescents' digital engagement influences social inequalities in well-being, using innovative time-use methods and interventions to promote healthier digital habits.
Fostering Internet-based Values of the Environment
The BIG-5 project explores how social media can enhance nature experiences and foster environmental stewardship through Digital Relational Values, countering the decline in appreciation for nature.