[The citizen sentinel paradigm meets epidemiology]

The Basilicata Region (Southern Italy) is a European hub for oil extraction. Complex interests over time have stimulated poor extraction practices, affecting the environment and the health of residents. For years, the people have complained about environmental contamination and human illnesses. Some inhabitants started carrying out 'civic monitoring' activities to gather evidence to support their complaints. The study offers an analysis of the motivations for the 'civic sentinels' to take action and explores potential applications of the data collected, including in the field of epidemiology. A specific initiative is explored as case study on the basis of findings from field research. The analysis emphasises the essential need people have to access reliable information in the face of environmental distress. It also highlights the growing trend of civic actors using the collected data to demand or orient interventions from competent authorities. It concludes by reflecting on the socio-legal implications of the study, proposing civic monitoring as a means of addressing and possibly mediating environmental conflicts.