As supporters of community-centred connectivity initiatives (CCCIs), we advocate the development of CCCIs as an alternative form of connectivity that can support not only access to communication and the internet, but also the exercise of social, economic, cultural and political rights. Weaving networks that are not only digital, but also social. And, why not, environmental?
With the acceleration of climate change and multiple environmental disasters related to it, the Local Networks (LocNet) initiative, together with our partners want to gather knowledge on “How can community networks contribute to environmental justice?”
We therefore invite you to share individual and/or collective reflections, case studies and stories about CCCIs and local service platforms involved in activities such as the following:
- Use of sensors and automation technologies to identify, track and measure environmental violations, and build evidence for environmental protection.
- Promotion of the circular economy, recycling, resource efficiency, local resilience, and cultural heritage preservation.
- Use of renewable/off-grid power supply solutions, solar energy, biogas, hydro, storage solutions, etc.
- “Green construction”, bamboo or other organic material for towers and public access facility structures.
- Use of digital tools for carbon footprint measurement.
- Use of climate change mitigation funding to support local digital infrastructure investment.
- E-waste disposal strategies.
- Use of CCCIs to promote mitigation of socio-environmental impacts of technology.
- Use of CCCIs and local services to support and enhance the work of local environmental activists and land defence.
Your pitch can be sent until 31 January 2026 and should include:
- Your introduction
- The story/study case that you want to narrate
- Any relevant online links (if available)
- Preferred format
- Timeline for preparing your first draft, ideally before 15 March.
(Please note that at this time we will prioritise pieces that can be delivered in a shorter time.)
Your final contributions after selection could be in different formats and presented in creative ways, such as:
- Short form essays (1,000-1,500 words)
- Long form essays (2,500-3,000 words)
- Poems
- Illustrations (six frames)
- Video (up to 10 minutes)
- Photo narratives
- Graphic stories/comic books.
Selected contributors will receive an honorarium of between USD300 and USD 500 upon submission of their final draft.