#1_Practice Abstract ICONIC: Ethnographic research in rural islands to understand social imaginaries: positions regarding climate change

This practice abstract is based on Deliverable 4.1 SSH research in rural islands, adeliverable led by Florencia Fossa (TRA) with contributions from Richard Estupiñán(GRA), Cristina Barbero (BER), Cathy Ní Ghóill (CFA), Sara Ruffini (R2M IT), Paulo Lissa(UG), Dayanne Peretti (UG), Ennio Schiavon (UG). Reviewed by University of Galway(UG), Asociación El Sol de La Graciosa (GRA), Commune di Berchidda (BER),Comharchumann Forbartha Árainn Teoranta (CFA) and R2M Spain.This practice abstract explores how rural island communities perceive climate changewithin the context of their everyday social, economic, and infrastructural challenges.Focusing on the three ICONIC pilot sites: Inis Mór (Ireland), La Graciosa (Spain), andBerchidda (Sardinia, Italy). SSH applied research shows that climate change isinterpreted through locally specific experiences such as tourism pressure, housingshortages, and energy insecurity in Inis Mór; intense seasonal tourism that overburdensenergy, water, transport, and waste infrastructure in La Graciosa; weakened agricultureand commerce, tourism straining mobility, water networks, and waste systems inBerchidda.The practice abstract compiles the methodology implemented for SSH research:ethnographic mixed-methods combining semi-structured in-depth interviews andsocio-demographic profiling to understand local actors’ perceptions and social positions regarding climate policies and environmental challenges, as well as potential horizons ofaction.Key insights reveal three key aspects: (1) Addressing everyday concerns, such ashousing, mobility, infrastructure or employment, is essential to foster broad citizenengagement with climate action, (2) Pilot islands share similar challenges, but holddifferentiated priorities; and (3) It is vital to ground governance locally, for policiesanchored in daily realities foster trust and social legitimacy, whereas ignoring theseexperiences generates fatigue and disengagement.