Postgrowth S.A.: Rural

Postgrowth S.A. Rural is a school-based citizen science initiative that involves young people from rural Galicia in research on environmental conservation and rural life. The project explores whether nature protection policies take sufficient account of the knowledge, needs, experiences and participation of the communities that live in protected or environmentally significant areas. Students examine how conservation measures affect everyday life in their territories and investigate questions linked to land use, livelihoods, public services, local knowledge and relationships between rural communities and public institutions. With support from teachers and the University of Vigo, they receive research materials and training, collect local evidence and speak with residents and other relevant actors. The process combines classroom work with guided research, occasional in-person sessions and continuing support for teaching teams. The findings are compared across participating areas and translated into recommendations for conservation policies that protect ecosystems while remaining attentive to territorial justice and the viability of rural communities. The initiative also aims to create a longer-term citizen science network connecting rural schools, researchers and local actors across Galicia.