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Action A1: Innovative devices construction

Summary: Action A1 delivered the project’s integrated field-monitoring instrumentation, including LiDAR units, meteorological stations, IoT devices for farm equipment, photovoltaic systems enabling energy autonomy and multispectral cameras. These outputs constituted the technical prerequisite for the implementation actions (notably C1-C6), as they enabled real-field data acquisition and system-level testing and validation.

Deliverables

• 15 IoT devices.
• 5 technically validated multispectral cameras for SOC stock changes measurements.
• 15 technical validated and calibrated meteorological stations.
• 15 technically validated and calibrated LIDAR devices for the measurement of CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions.
• 8 photovoltaic systems.

Milestone

Installment and validated operation of the devices.

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Action A2: Contracting 15 pilot fields

Summary: Action A2 focused on the selection, contracting and maintenance of pilot agricultural fields required for the implementation of the ClimaMED technical and demonstration actions. For this, contracts were developed and signed between the Coordinating Beneficiary (BPI) and the owners of 15 pilot fields, defining the terms of cooperation, access rights, obligations of both parties and financial arrangements.

Deliverables

• 15 signed contracts between BPI and landowners.

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Action C1: LIDAR devices calibration-standardization. Cultivations’ footprint

Summary: Action C1 implemented all activities foreseen in the technical description of the project, aiming at the systematic assessment of GHG fluxes in relation to agricultural practices through field measurements, data integration and analytical processing. Specifically:

• Deployment and operation of LiDAR-based monitoring systems: LiDAR devices developed under Action A1 were installed and operated in selected pilot fields to monitor GHGs concentrations under real-field conditions. Measurements were performed over extended periods, allowing the capture of diurnal and seasonal variability and the assessment of emission dynamics linked to agricultural practices.
• Collection of agricultural practice data through a dedicated application. A dedicated digital application was developed by BPI and used for the systematic collection of data related to agricultural practices, including tillage operations, fertilisation, irrigation, crop management and harvest activities, and used for calibrating and validating the algorithm of the CMM.
• Integration of complementary datasets (meteorological and contextual data): Meteorological data and auxiliary information collected through IoT sensors and field observations were integrated with the LiDAR measurements to support data interpretation and normalisation.
• Data processing, analysis and derivation of emission profiles: The collected datasets were processed and analysed to derive emission profiles per crop type and agricultural practice. The analysis focused on identifying temporal emission patterns and quantifying differences associated with specific management interventions. These results formed the basis for the calculation of environmental footprints and the assessment of low-GHG agricultural practices and are included in the specific deliverable of the action.
• Proposed certification framework for low-GHG agricultural products: The project developed a proposal for a certification framework for low GHG agricultural products. The framework is a fully specified proposal intended to support future regulatory or market-based adoption, outlining how certification could be implemented through the involvement of recognised certification actors, while relying on the ClimaMED system for the generation of the technical certification output.
• Documentation of results and preparation of guidance material.

Deliverable - Report on GHGs emissions from the pilot fields (seasonal and annual total emissions, GWP)

Extended Summary: The LIFE ClimaMED project demonstrated, for the first time in Mediterranean agriculture, the feasibility and reliability of an integrated Tier-3 approach for real-time, field-scale quantification of agricultural GHG emissions from crop systems using a LiDAR-based monitoring framework. The analysis of field measurements provided a coherent picture of GHG dynamics across olives, pistachios, vineyards, cereals and vegetables under real agronomic conditions.

Across all pilot fields, the LiDAR observations captured clear and physiologically consistent seasonal emission patterns, driven by crop phenology, soil temperature–moisture dynamics and discrete management operations such as fertilization, pruning, tillage, compost incorporation and green manuring. High-emission periods were consistently associated with active root growth and microbial turnover (spring–early summer), while winter and dry summer phases showed persistently low fluxes. These patterns were reproduced across all systems, confirming the robustness of the measurement approach despite substantial heterogeneity in soil types, canopy structure, topography and local atmospheric influences.

The results further revealed the strong influence of landscape context on measured atmospheric enhancements. Fields located in peri-urban settings exhibited elevated and more variable background CO₂ concentrations due to domestic heating, traffic and nearby human activities, while coastal or remote rural locations displayed cleaner atmospheric baselines.

Management interventions with relevance for carbon farming were also clearly reflected in the emissions data. Incorporation of manure or compost caused short-term increases in biogenic CO₂ (and small, transient CH₄ pulses), yet these are outweighed by the long-term SOC sequestration potential as documented in the scientific literature. Similarly, optimized machinery use, as demonstrated in a corn field, resulted in measurable reductions of CO₂ fluxes associated with fuel consumption.

These findings show that the LiDAR-based system is sensitive enough to detect real differences arising from improved management, providing a direct and transparent link between agricultural practices and climate outcomes.

When interpreted alongside the LCA results, the LiDAR-derived emissions offer a complementary understanding of climate impacts. While LCA quantifies cradle-to-gate GWP from both direct and upstream sources, the LiDAR system isolates field-level biogenic and combustion-related emissions. Together, they form a robust framework for emission diagnosis, mitigation planning and the verification of carbon-farming interventions at plot scale, an essential component of the EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework.

Overall, the pilot implementation confirmed that:

The LiDAR system provides stable, reproducible and physiologically realistic GHG signals across diverse Mediterranean crops.

Seasonal and annual emissions derived through the ClimaMED methodology are fully aligned with agronomic operations, crop growth stages and environmental drivers.

The system is capable of capturing management-induced differences in emissions, including organic amendments, pruning-waste burning and fuel-use optimization.

The combined LiDAR–LCA approach delivers a transparent, harmonized and Tier-3-compatible monitoring scheme suitable for certification, reporting and climate-policy applications.

The findings of this deliverable demonstrate that the LIFE ClimaMED monitoring architecture constitutes a scientifically sound and operationally practical solution for field scale GHG quantification and supports climate-smart agriculture strategies.

Deliverable - Products’ environmental footprint (olives, pistachios, grapes, cereals and vegetables)

Extended Summary: In line of Action C1, a holistic Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in terms of raw materials consumption, energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is carried out for all processes considered in the 15 pilot fields of the project in order to (a) analyze the environmental footprint of each crop type per field in terms of current cultivation practices applied and management methods used, (b) define the cultivation practices with the highest GHGs footprint by using also the in situ LiDAR measurements and identify non-rational practices and (c) promote good practices to reduce the associated environmental footprint.

Based on a detailed Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) created for 6 consecutive years (2018-2023), all agricultural practices that emit GHGs in the 15 pilot fields of the project which cover almost the entire Greece and for products that are of high socio-economic importance for the Med area, i.e. olives, pistachios, grapes, cereals and vegetables are monitored and categorized per field/crop type.

Modelling data include tillage practices, machinery used, labor requirements, potential burning of residuals and wastes, fertilization/irrigation practices, water consumption, weed and pest control, waste management practices including composting or recycling in field, and other activities.

LCA is carried out to determine the environmental footprint per unit product based on the consumption of raw materials i.e. fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation and processing water, energy and agricultural waste, as well as the emissions generated by current production to air, water and soil without modifying the normal practices implemented by the farmers.

Using “LCA for experts” software, five mid-point environmental impact categories, defined according to the CML 2001 impact assessment method are assessed in each field/product per year i.e. Acidification Potential, Eutrophication Potential, Global Warming Potential, Ozone Layer Depletion, Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential and Cumulative Energy Demand as an energy flow indicator. LCA results are calculated for two different functional units the FUp denoting 1 kg of freshly harvested product i.e. pistachios, grapes, olives, fresh vegetables and cereals and FUf denoting 1 ha of cultivated land per year.

LCA identified the presence of crucial phases/sub-phases which are the most impactful ones for the current production per field/crop type every year in all impact categories studied, namely the fertilizers application/production, the irrigation system and the cultivation operations. Given the fact that dissimilarities between the 5 crop type production systems exist, vegetables orchards and vineyards exhibited the lowest environmental footprint per unit product for the period covered (2018-2023), compared to the other crop types studied. Any potential carbon offsets from mitigation practices are assessed through an integrated low-carbon certification framework and the use of innovative, site-specific technologies. In this context, the present study evaluates three life cycle inventory (LCI)-based scenarios: Baseline (BS), which represents a 3-year crop production period; Field-based (FS), which includes on-site CO₂ and CH₄ measurements to assess the effects of mitigation practices; and Inventoried (IS), which relies on comprehensive datasets. The adoption of carbon mitigation practices under the FS scenario resulted in considerable reductions in environmental impacts for all pilot fields assessed, with average improvements of 8% for olive, 5.7% for sweet potato, 4.5% for corn, and 6.5% for grape production compared to the BS scenario.

The uncertainty analysis indicates that among the LCI-based scenarios evaluated, the IS scenario exhibits the lowest variability, with coefficient of variation (CV) values ranging from 0.5% to 7.3%. In contrast, the FS scenario shows slightly higher uncertainty, with CVs reaching up to 15.7% for AP and 14.7% for EP impact categories in corn production. The incorporation of on-site GHG measurements improves the precision of environmental performance and supports the development of site-specific LCI data. This bench-mark study has a noticeable transferability potential and contributes to the adoption of sustainable practices in other regions with similar characteristics.

Finally, viable actions for eco-improvement to reduce the environmental footprint of the fields/products, by implementing measures to promote energy conservation, minimize GHG emissions, and improve the use of local raw materials, are proposed.

Deliverable - Relation between agricultural practices and GHG fluxes. Proposal for good practices to MINAGRIC

Summary: Overall, this deliverable demonstrates that reducing GHG emissions in Mediterranean agriculture is both feasible and measurable when management practices are redesigned with climate efficiency in mind. Through detailed emissions monitoring, robust analysis of cultivation practices and targeted policy interventions, Mediterranean farming systems can significantly decrease their climate footprint while maintaining productivity and resilience.

View / download the full deliverable (PDF)

Deliverable - Low GHGs emission agricultural products: Establishment of a procedure for agricultural products certification - Guidelines

Extended Summary: The growing concern over climate change and the need to mitigate Greenhouse Gases (GHG) emissions have prompted the development of sustainable practices across various industries. In the agricultural sector, there is a rising need for agricultural products that are produced with minimal GHG emissions.

Consumers, retailers, and policymakers are increasingly seeking assurance that the agricultural products they consume or promote are contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. To meet this demand, the development of a certification procedure for agricultural products with low carbon/GHG emissions has become imperative. In the present deliverable proposals are made for the first time to the official authorities at a European level so that a procedure can be established to allow farmers obtain a “low carbon/GHGs emissions product certificate” based on real time measurements (using the innovative Tier 3 methodology) obtained from ClimaMED actions.

By comprehensively documenting the development of the proposed certification procedure for low-carbon agriculture, this deliverable offers valuable insights and guidance to various stakeholders involved in the agricultural industry. These include public bodies, authorities, farmers, agricultural associations, certification bodies, policymakers, and consumers.

The primary objective of this certification is to initially issue it for the pilot cultivations of the ClimaMED project, while ensuring its adaptability to other Mediterranean products. The certification procedure incorporates clear targets and guidelines, making it applicable beyond the ClimaMED project. The outcomes and recommendations presented in this deliverable are expected to drive the broader adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and inspire the establishment of similar certification procedures in various other sectors.

The purpose of the proposed GHG emissions certification process is to accurately record emissions from agriculture through the active participation of producers, with the ultimate goal of addressing climate change in a way that brings environmental benefits as well as advantages for producers and society as a whole.

The objective of the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food (MINAGRIC) is to engage as many producers as possible in this system, thereby collecting the maximum amount of data from the country’s cultivated land. This will allow MINAGRIC to gain insight into emissions from the agricultural sector, as well as to encourage and support producers in reducing these emissions.

In the line of Action C1, a detailed procedure for agricultural products certification is provided to reward “green farmers”. This procedure which aims to develop and establish a certification system (green/low carbon certificates) for products with low footprint is based on real time measurements. In this context, proposals are provided to the authorities based on the measurements gathered from the innovative Tier 3 methodology developed under the LIFE ClimaMED project.

The main purpose of the proposed low carbon/GHG emission certification system is to provide a comparable advantage for Mediterranean cultivation products and improve their position in the market.

In the first section, this deliverable presents an introduction to certification systems, emphasizing their importance for agricultural products. It highlights the need to address environmental sustainability and climate change concerns through certification schemes. The report then presents the current state of eco/green-certification in agriculture, discusses the implementation of a few existing certification schemes at farm level and the policy considerations associated with their adoption in the agricultural sector.

The second section focuses on reviewing the existing low-carbon certification systems for agricultural products. It examines both European and non-European schemes, providing insights for their methodologies, criteria, and implementation. Furthermore, a comparison of selected European certification systems highlighting similarities, differences, and specific areas of focus and implementation is presented. The perceived benefits of certification for low-carbon agricultural products are explored by analyzing the advantages for farmers, agricultural product markets, and public bodies/authorities and highlighting how certification can enhance sustainability, market access, and public trust.

In the third section, the final version of the proposed certification process for GHG emissions from cultivated fields is presented. The complete process is supervised and managed by MINAGRIC and is implemented using the system developed for recording and processing year-round emissions of CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O from cultivated areas across Greece, which was developed, validated, and demonstrated by the LIFE ClimaMED project. In addition to MINAGRIC, the proposed certification system involves producers, equipment suppliers, the Greek Payment Authority of Common Agricultural Policy (C.A.P.) Aid Schemes (OPEKEPE), https://www.opekepe.gr/en/, and external certifiers.

The “low carbon” certificate will be initially issued (but not limited to) for the pilot cultivations of the ClimaMED project, while the procedure will involve clear targets and will be adaptable to all similar Med cultivation products. It is believed that the findings/proposals presented in this deliverable will contribute to the wider adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and encourage the establishment of similar certification procedures in other sectors and Med countries.

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Action C2: Technology for Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stock changes measurement

Summary: Action C2 developed and applied a methodology for assessing changes in Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stocks at field level, combining field measurements, remote sensing data and modelling. The methodology was implemented across the project pilot fields to evaluate how different agricultural management practices influence soil carbon storage. Results showed that improved practices, including compost and manure application and better crop-residue management, can enhance SOC, while biomass removal, burning and intensive soil disturbance can contribute to SOC losses. Across the assessed pilot fields, improved management resulted in an overall estimated carbon benefit of 11.8 t C, shifting the aggregated balance from a net SOC loss to a net gain. The developed methodology and pilot results were also integrated into a dedicated SOC module of the CMM platform, providing a practical tool for assessing SOC stock changes and supporting carbon-oriented agricultural management and future certification approaches.

Deliverable - Report on the SOC related baseline conditions of pilot fields

Extended Summary: The deliverable established the initial reference conditions for the development and subsequent application of methodology for assessing SOC stock changes. The work focused on characterising the agricultural practices, soil conditions and management-related factors affecting carbon inputs and losses at field level, thereby providing the baseline against which the effects of improved management practices could subsequently be assessed.

The baseline assessment covered 15 pilot fields across Greece, representing five Mediterranean cropping systems of major economic importance: olive orchards, pistachio orchards, vegetables, cereals and vineyards, with three pilot fields studied for each crop type. The sites were distributed across different climatic and geographical conditions, including Crete, the Peloponnese, Central Greece, Macedonia and the Ionian Islands. This geographical and agronomic diversity was intended to capture the variability of Mediterranean agricultural systems and provide a sufficiently broad experimental basis for the development of the SOC stock-change methodology.

For each pilot field, an initial soil and management profile was established. Composite soil samples were collected, generally at 0–30 cm and, where possible, 30–60 cm depth, and analysed to characterise the initial soil conditions. At the same time, detailed information on farming practices was collected directly from farmers through specifically developed questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. The information included previous land use, fertilisation and manure application, irrigation and water consumption, tillage and machinery use, crop-residue management, burning, weed and pest control, harvesting practices, fuel consumption, livestock presence and other activities potentially affecting SOC stocks and GHG emissions.

The collected information was used to identify the principal management practices influencing the field carbon balance and to establish the baseline required for the subsequent SOC modelling work. The conceptual approach adopted by ClimaMED considers SOC stock change as the balance between carbon entering and leaving the agricultural system. It therefore combines information on vegetation productivity, ecosystem respiration, field-level CO₂ and CH₄ emissions, carbon removed through harvested biomass and carbon returned to the soil through manure and other organic inputs. Vegetation indices derived from multispectral observations, meteorological and soil parameters, field measurements and farm-management data were foreseen as complementary information streams supporting this calculation.

The baseline survey demonstrated considerable variability among the pilot fields, both in soil characteristics and in agricultural management. It also highlighted that management decisions can act in opposite directions on soil carbon. Practices involving the addition or retention of organic material in the field can contribute positively to SOC preservation, whereas removal or burning of crop residues and intensive soil disturbance may favour carbon losses. For example, in one of the olive pilots, soil organic matter reached 5.3%, reflecting the influence of permanent animal presence and manure inputs, while the assessment simultaneously identified residue burning and unplanned manure management as practices requiring improvement.

Based on the field-specific assessments, the deliverable proposed practical management improvements aimed at simultaneously preserving or increasing SOC stocks and reducing GHG emissions. Overall, it provided the reference dataset and agronomic baseline for Action C2 and formed the foundation for the subsequent monitoring and modelling activities of LIFE ClimaMED.

Deliverable - Relation between agricultural practices and changes in SOC stocks (olives, grapes, vegetables, cereals, pistachios)

Extended Summary: The deliverable assesses how different agricultural management practices influence SOC dynamics under real Mediterranean farming conditions. The analysis focuses on five representative cropping systems—pistachio, vineyard, cereals, vegetables and olive—covering management conditions ranging from relatively low-input perennial systems to intensive annual and perennial production systems.

Agricultural soils can act either as carbon sources or carbon sinks, depending strongly on the balance between carbon inputs, carbon removal and losses from the system. This issue is particularly relevant under Mediterranean conditions, where high temperatures, seasonal drought and generally limited organic matter inputs can restrict SOC accumulation. LIFE ClimaMED therefore developed an integrated approach for assessing annual SOC stock changes at field level, combining baseline soil information, multispectral observations and NDVI, field measurements of CO₂ and CH₄ emissions, LiDAR-derived information where available, and detailed records of agricultural practices. Rather than relying exclusively on repeated soil analyses, the methodology estimates annual carbon balance and provides an indication of both the direction and magnitude of SOC change.

The analysis was based on five LIFE ClimaMED pilot fields located in different Greek regions: a pistachio orchard in Aegina, a vineyard in Thourio, a cereal field in Pyrgos, an open-field vegetable system in Katakolo and an olive orchard in Rethymno. The baseline assessment revealed considerable differences in initial soil organic matter and management intensity, with organic matter ranging from approximately 1.1% in the surface soil of the intensive vegetable field in Katakolo to 5.3% in the olive–livestock system in Rethymno.

During project implementation, the pilot fields represented different management trajectories. In three fields, farmers introduced practices proposed by the project, while other cases provided examples of unchanged or “business-as-usual” management. This allowed the project to examine the response of the SOC balance both where management interventions were implemented and where existing agricultural practices continued.

Under unchanged management, negative SOC balances were observed where substantial biomass was removed from the field without corresponding organic inputs. In the Aegina pistachio orchard, for example, the estimated SOC balance remained negative in both monitored years, although the annual loss decreased during the lower-productivity OFF-year. The Thourio vineyard similarly showed a strongly negative balance, associated with high biomass export, intensive tillage and the absence of additional organic amendments.

A substantially different response was observed when targeted management interventions increased carbon return to the soil. In the Pyrgos cereal pilot, the introduction of approximately 22 t ha⁻¹ of compost, together with reduced fuel use and sustained crop productivity, changed the estimated SOC balance from a loss of 4.1 t C yr⁻¹ to a gain of +1.3 t C yr⁻¹. In the Katakolo vegetable pilot, following compost application of approximately 20–22 t ha⁻¹, the estimated ΔSOC changed from a loss of 1.6 t C yr⁻¹ to a gain of +3.8 t C yr⁻¹, corresponding to an improvement of approximately 5.4 t C yr⁻¹ in the annual carbon balance while crop production was maintained.

The olive–livestock system in Rethymno demonstrated that the effectiveness of organic inputs depends not only on their quantity but also on their management. Following project guidance, manure that had previously remained on the soil surface was lightly incorporated into the upper 10–15 cm of soil. The system maintained a positive SOC balance, with estimated ΔSOC increasing from approximately +0.343 to +0.395 t C ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹.

The results also revealed an important distinction between short-term GHG emissions and longer-term carbon sequestration. Compost or manure incorporation can temporarily increase CO₂ and, in some cases, CH₄ emissions because of enhanced microbial activity and decomposition. However, these short-term responses do not necessarily indicate deterioration of the overall carbon balance, since organic amendments simultaneously increase carbon inputs and favour subsequent stabilisation in the soil.

Overall, the findings demonstrate a consistent relationship between agricultural management and SOC dynamics. Organic amendments, manure incorporation and retention or appropriate management of crop residues favour SOC accumulation, whereas high biomass export, intensive soil disturbance, residue burning and insufficient replacement of removed carbon contribute to SOC depletion. Excluding the Thourio vineyard, for which only one complete annual cultivation cycle was available, the combined SOC balance of the evaluated fields improved from an initial net loss of 6.9 t C to a net gain of +4.9 t C, corresponding to an overall carbon benefit of 11.8 t C following improved management.

Deliverable - Guidelines for the production of certified “product that preserves soil organic matter”

Summary: Soil C capacity reflects the amount of SOC accumulated under specific environmental and management conditions. This capacity can shift with changes in practices, eventually reaching a new equilibrium state. SOC content, which responds slowly to changes, should be monitored for a period of at least 20 years after major land use changes to capture long-term trends. C saturation, or the soil’s ultimate SOC limit, is defined by its capacity to stabilize C in different forms—chemically, physically, and biochemically protected pools. In semi-arid Mediterranean regions, sustainable farming is challenged by the decline of SOM to very low levels for effective agriculture. Such soils generally have low SOC, low water and nutrient retention, and limited natural fertility. SOC accumulation is constrained by various factors, yet even low SOC in semi-arid soils can contribute to global C sequestration, potentially slowing desertification.

View / download the full deliverable (PDF)

Milestones

• Collection of the appropriate field data for modelling SOC stock changes in Action C4.
• Definition of sustainable practices for carbon sequestration (olive trees, pistachios, grapes, vegetables).

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Action C3: Telemetry

Summary: Action C3 focused on the development and implementation of the telemetry infrastructure required for the automated collection, transmission, management and pre-processing of data generated by the monitoring devices used in LIFE ClimaMED, and their integration into the web platform developed under Action C4. The Action therefore provided the communication link between the field monitoring activities of Actions C1 and C2 and the project’s central data management and processing environment.

A complete telemetry architecture was designed and implemented, covering both the field hardware and the supporting software infrastructure. A dedicated Data Logger and gateway system connected LiDAR systems, GHG sensors, meteorological stations and multispectral equipment deployed in the pilot fields with the central telemetry platform. LoRaWAN provided long-range, low-power field connectivity, while MQTT-based communication supported reliable data exchange between field devices, gateways and the central system. The cloud-based platform enabled centralised data reception, aggregation and pre-processing, device monitoring and management, web-based user access and interoperability through open APIs.

The infrastructure also supported remote configuration, software updates and operational diagnostics. Experience from pilot operation led to additional functionality including automated malfunction alerts, structured reporting and follow-up of technical issues, extended metadata for nodes and gateways, communication-quality information and dedicated telemetry functionality for LiDAR systems. Overall, Action C3 delivered an integrated field-to-platform telemetry infrastructure enabling continuous data flow, remote supervision and structured access to monitoring data for subsequent processing within the CMM platform.

Deliverable - Manual of the Data Logger and the developed APIs

Extended Summary: The deliverable presents the final version of the LIFE ClimaMED Data Logger and the associated telemetry platform and APIs developed to support automated field-data acquisition and management. Fifteen Data Logger devices were constructed for deployment in the project pilot fields, providing the communication interface between field monitoring equipment and the central telemetry infrastructure. The Data Logger was designed as an industrial outdoor gateway, supporting LoRaWAN connectivity for IoT devices together with Wi-Fi/Ethernet and mobile-network communication, and allowing remote monitoring and management through the telemetry platform.

The deliverable documents the technical configuration of the final Data Logger, its main hardware components and interfaces, as well as procedures for installation, antenna and power connections, operational checks and troubleshooting. The system was designed for outdoor agricultural deployment and incorporates environmental protection and monitoring features to support reliable long-term field operation.

The manual also describes the web-based telemetry platform used to manage and visualise data from IoT nodes, gateways, LiDAR systems and multispectral cameras, including geographical distribution, measurement series and operational status. A comprehensive set of APIs enables programmatic access and interoperability with external applications, supporting retrieval of device information, attributes, filters and measurement time series and providing the interface required for integration with the CMM developed under Action C4.

Deliverable - Pilot implementation report

Extended Summary: The Pilot Implementation Report presents the implementation and testing of LIFE ClimaMED monitoring technologies across 15 pilot fields in different regions of Greece, representing five major Mediterranean crop groups: pistachios, olives, cereals, vineyards and vegetables. The pilots covered different climatic, soil and cultivation conditions and provided the field environment needed to collect data for development and validation of the project’s GHG-emission and Soil Organic Carbon monitoring approaches.

Baseline information on land use and agricultural practices was collected together with soil and, in selected cases, plant samples. A GIS-based system and mobile application supported field-data management and establishment of the Life Cycle Inventory baseline. LiDAR systems were deployed under real agricultural conditions, while the Action C2 SOC methodology was implemented using multispectral imagery, soil and plant analyses, meteorological information and satellite observations. UAV flights and Sentinel-2 imagery were used to derive vegetation indices including NDVI and EVI.

An integrated telemetry infrastructure connected meteorological and other IoT devices, LiDAR systems and multispectral cameras. Data Loggers and LoRaWAN supported collection and transmission, while the web-based platform provided device management, visualisation and access to measurements. Following pilot testing, a Process Engine was incorporated to automatically evaluate environmental conditions affecting safe LiDAR operation and trigger appropriate actions.

Across the pilot sites, the telemetry system evaluated almost 500,000 operational-condition records, of which 80.69% corresponded to conditions suitable for LiDAR operation, while 126,629 LiDAR measurement files were collected. The pilot activities therefore provided the field data and operational experience required for subsequent modelling, assessment and integration within the CMM platform.

Deliverable - Final version of the Data Logger

Extended Summary: This deliverable presents the final configuration and implementation of the telemetry infrastructure supporting the collection, transmission and management of data generated by LIFE ClimaMED field monitoring equipment. A total of 15 Data Logger/gateway units were constructed and installed in the project pilot fields, linking deployed monitoring devices with the central telemetry platform.

The Data Logger was developed as an industrial outdoor IoT gateway for agricultural field conditions. It integrates LoRaWAN, Wi-Fi/Ethernet and mobile connectivity, supports remote management through the Telemetry Platform and incorporates environmental monitoring within an IP66 enclosure. The accompanying web platform integrates IoT nodes, gateways, LiDAR systems, multispectral cameras and external applications, with geographical representation of installed equipment, graphical measurement visualisation and access to device-specific information.

Open APIs based on REST services and JSON provide programmatic access to nodes, gateways, LiDAR systems, multispectral cameras and external applications, including device information, attributes, measurements, time series and, where relevant, acquired images. The resulting modular field-to-platform infrastructure supports continued use and integration with additional monitoring devices and applications.

Milestone

• Successful telemetry operation.

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Action C4: Operational Center development

Summary: Action C4 focused on the development of the ClimaMED Monitoring and Management (CMM) platform, which serves as the central operational environment for collecting, processing, managing and visualising the information generated through the project’s monitoring activities. The platform was developed as a web-GIS application, integrating data from different sources, including meteorological stations, IoT sensors and LiDAR devices installed in the pilot areas. Dedicated algorithms and data-processing workflows were developed to transform field measurements and complementary information into indicators related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC).

For GHG monitoring, the CMM enables the visualisation and assessment of emissions at field level and calculates average annual emissions expressed in kg CO₂-equivalent per hectare. The platform also provides aggregated information through a central dashboard, allowing the competent authority to follow emission trends and overall GHG performance across monitored agricultural areas. In parallel, a dedicated SOC module was developed to estimate annual changes in soil organic carbon stocks based on information on agricultural practices, biomass production, organic amendments, residue management, fuel consumption and vegetation indices. This functionality can support the assessment of agricultural practices that contribute to carbon storage and their potential consideration within the certification framework developed by the project.

The final platform also includes GIS-based mapping, monitoring of connected devices, data validation and export tools, and role-based user management. To facilitate its practical use and future uptake, a Multimedia Training Center was developed, providing online video tutorials with English and Greek subtitles. Overall, Action C4 transformed the monitoring data and modelling approaches developed within ClimaMED into an integrated operational system that can support farmers, technical users and public authorities in monitoring the climate performance of agricultural land and supporting more climate-friendly agricultural management.

Beyond its application within LIFE ClimaMED, the CMM has been designed as a modular, interoperable and scalable platform, providing the potential for broader deployment at Member State and European level. Its architecture allows the future integration of additional digital tools and services related to soil and nutrient management, irrigation, land suitability and environmental footprint assessment. The CMM could therefore evolve from a GHG monitoring platform into a broader digital infrastructure supporting climate-smart agriculture and integrated environmental monitoring across Europe.

Deliverable - Models for conversion of the field measurements to mean annual GHGs emissions and SOC stock changes

Extended Summary: The deliverable presents the modelling approaches developed under Action C4 for converting field measurements into estimates of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) stock changes in agricultural fields. The work provides the methodological basis for transforming the data generated by the LIFE ClimaMED monitoring infrastructure into indicators that can be further processed and visualised through the CMM platform.

For GHG emissions, the methodology is based primarily on measurements obtained from the LiDAR systems developed within LIFE ClimaMED, which monitor CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O concentrations over agricultural fields. A Differential Absorption LiDAR (DIAL) approach is used to convert the recorded signals into gas concentrations, while an adapted Gaussian dispersion model converts the path-integrated measurements obtained at 3 m height into representative ground-level concentrations. The modelling framework takes into account measurement height, wind direction and speed, atmospheric stability and the potential influence of emissions originating from neighbouring areas. Meteorological information is therefore incorporated into the processing workflow to support the interpretation and correction of the measurements.

The methodology further converts measured concentrations from ppmV into mass-based units and subtracts background atmospheric concentrations in order to estimate the net contribution of the monitored agricultural field. The resulting values can subsequently be expressed per unit of agricultural area or crop production. An annual recalibration procedure was also developed, using accumulated LiDAR and meteorological measurements to optimise field-specific dispersion coefficients and progressively improve model performance.

Particular attention was given to uncertainty assessment, including uncertainties associated with wind, plume dispersion, atmospheric stability, concentration conversion and model recalibration. A combined uncertainty assessment and filtering procedure was established to exclude measurements exceeding defined quality thresholds.

The second part of the deliverable develops a methodology for estimating annual SOC changes by integrating information on carbon inputs and losses within the agricultural system. The approach combines CO₂ and CH₄ sensor and LiDAR measurements, meteorological information and NDVI-derived estimates of vegetation productivity with information on crop yield, harvested carbon, below-ground biomass and organic amendments. SOC change is estimated through the balance between carbon fixed by vegetation, ecosystem respiration and other carbon inputs and outputs.

Overall, the deliverable establishes the computational framework linking LIFE ClimaMED field monitoring with the calculation of GHG emissions and SOC dynamics. The developed models provide the basis for converting heterogeneous field observations into quantitative environmental indicators and support their subsequent integration into the CMM platform for field-level monitoring and assessment.

Deliverable - Protocols for measuring, calculating, reporting and mapping GHGs emissions and SOC stock changes from agricultural fields

Extended Summary: This deliverable establishes the standardised protocols for measuring, calculating, reporting and mapping GHG emissions and SOC stock changes from agricultural fields, translating the modelling framework developed under Action C4 into practical procedures for field implementation. The protocols are designed to ensure consistent data collection and processing, quality control, reporting and visualisation across different crops and agricultural conditions, while supporting the use of the LIFE ClimaMED methodologies both within and outside the CMM platform.

For GHG emissions, the protocol defines the complete workflow from field instrumentation and data acquisition to the calculation and reporting of emissions. Measurements of CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O are obtained using the LIFE ClimaMED LiDAR systems, supported by meteorological observations of wind, temperature, pressure and other relevant environmental parameters. Procedures are provided for equipment installation and monitoring, measurement frequency, data logging and storage, conversion of raw LiDAR measurements into gas concentrations, subtraction of atmospheric background concentrations, and correction for wind direction, atmospheric stability, temperature and pressure. The methodology also incorporates annual recalibration of dispersion parameters to adapt the calculations to field-specific conditions.

A dedicated quality assurance and uncertainty assessment procedure was established to ensure the reliability of the resulting estimates. Individual sources of uncertainty associated with wind conditions, plume dispersion, atmospheric stability, concentration conversion and model recalibration are quantified and combined through a root-sum-square approach. Defined quality thresholds are then used to identify and exclude unreliable measurements before the validated data are used for further analysis and reporting.

The protocol also establishes harmonised procedures for reporting and mapping GHG emissions. Results can be expressed by individual gas and converted to CO₂ equivalents, while seasonal and annual emission trends can be presented through graphs and spatial maps. Comparisons with field or crop baselines allow emission-reduction performance to be assessed over time. The reporting structure is designed to be compatible with the CMM platform and with the LIFE ClimaMED certification approach, enabling validated results to support environmental reporting and assessment of low-emission agricultural production.

For SOC stock changes, the protocol integrates in-field CO₂ and CH₄ measurements, meteorological data, NDVI-derived vegetation productivity, crop and management information, and laboratory soil analyses. Five representative sensor locations per field are foreseen, while NDVI information obtained from Sentinel-2 or multispectral imagery is used to estimate Gross Primary Productivity and therefore the carbon fixed by vegetation. The SOC balance accounts for major carbon inputs and losses, including ecosystem respiration, methane emissions, harvested biomass, below-ground biomass and organic amendments. Separate considerations are applied to low- and high-vegetation crops because of differences in the carbon fluxes captured by sensors positioned near the soil surface.

Laboratory measurements of SOC, bulk density and soil moisture are used to calibrate and validate the SOC model, with model parameters adjusted against measured SOC stocks. The resulting annual SOC change indicates whether the agricultural field is accumulating or losing soil carbon. Results can subsequently be aggregated at field, farm or cooperative level and visualised through SOC maps, annual comparisons and NDVI-GPP and CO₂/CH₄ flux graphs.

Finally, two operational annexes translate the methodologies into step-by-step procedures for practical application. Annex I covers the complete GHG workflow from field registration and LiDAR installation through data validation, emission calculation, mapping, reporting and certification, while Annex II provides the corresponding procedure for annual SOC stock-change estimation, including sensor deployment, NDVI acquisition, soil sampling, model calibration, mapping and reporting. Overall, the deliverable provides a harmonised framework connecting LIFE ClimaMED monitoring technologies and models with practical field-level assessment, reporting and potential environmental certification of agricultural production.

Deliverable - Multimedia training center for users (English, Greek) with the ability for further translation in other languages

Extended Summary: The Multimedia Training Center for users was developed as part of Deliverable C4.2 to provide structured and easily accessible training materials for users of the CMM platform. By offering a collection of instructional videos, the training center enhances users’ ability to navigate the platform and utilise its functionalities for GHG monitoring and management. The tutorials support self-paced learning, ensuring that users can efficiently understand and apply the platform’s features.

The training materials are available online, hosted on a Vimeo playlist and accessible via the project’s official website. To accommodate a broad audience, the videos include English and Greek subtitles, with the option to add further language support in the future. This deliverable promotes knowledge transfer and user engagement by providing high-quality, multimedia-based learning resources.

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Deliverable - A Center of GHGs Monitoring and Management (CMM) - Interactive guide

Extended Summary: Deliverable C4.1 describes the design and development of the ClimaMED project’s web platform, related to Action C4 – Operational Center development. Action C4 aims to develop a “Center of GHGs Monitoring and Management” (CMM) system that allows national, regional and local authorities, as well as farmers’ associations and cooperatives, to estimate, map, monitor and report GHG emissions within their territories.

The deliverable represents a user guide based on the identification and analysis of user and system requirements in order to provide specific solutions for the functional specifications of the architectural components of the CMM platform. The requirements-capturing process identified crucial aspects of user and system needs in order to address the expectations for central monitoring and management of GHG emissions and SOC stock changes.

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Milestones

• Development of standardized methodologies for GHGs emissions and SOC stock changes measurement.
• Development of the models and algorithms for the estimation of GHGs emissions and SOC stock changes.
• Completion and technical integrity of the CMM.

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Action C5: Transferability and Replicability

Summary: Action C5 focused on assessing and demonstrating the transferability and replicability of the LIFE ClimaMED monitoring methodology beyond the core project pilot sites, under different geographical, agricultural and environmental conditions. The activities combined real-field demonstrations of the LiDAR technology with technical training, site visits, feasibility assessments, stakeholder engagement and demonstrations of the CMM platform.

In Greece, several LiDAR systems continued operating for extended periods under representative Mediterranean agricultural and livestock conditions, providing validated datasets and serving as reference demonstration cases for the overall ClimaMED monitoring approach. In Italy, two LiDAR systems were installed and tested in an agricultural experimental site and a port-related environment. Although prolonged operation was affected by high humidity, these deployments provided valuable information on the environmental and technical constraints that need to be considered when transferring the technology to coastal and high-humidity areas.

In Spain and Cyprus, transferability was addressed through demonstration activities, including technical training, visits to operational installations in Greece, demonstrations of the CMM platform and assessments of the conditions required for future implementation. These activities allowed participating organisations and relevant stakeholders to evaluate the applicability of the ClimaMED approach within their respective national contexts.

Overall, Action C5 demonstrated not only the technical potential for replication of the ClimaMED monitoring system, but also the importance of adapting its deployment to local environmental, infrastructural and operational conditions. Workshops, training activities, technical exchanges and engagement with authorities and other stakeholders strengthened knowledge transfer and preparedness for future uptake. The cooperation established through these activities was further consolidated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the participating actors, supporting continued collaboration and future replication of the LIFE ClimaMED approach beyond the project lifetime.

Deliverable - Report on demonstration areas results

Extended Summary: The deliverable presents the implementation and results of the demonstration activities carried out under Action C5, with the objective of assessing the transferability and replicability of the LIFE ClimaMED methodology beyond the original pilot applications. The activities combined real-field operation and deployment of the LiDAR monitoring systems with feasibility assessments, technical training, stakeholder engagement and cross-country knowledge exchange in Greece, Spain, Italy and Cyprus. Through this approach, the project assessed not only whether the developed methodology could be transferred to other locations and sectors, but also the technical, environmental and operational conditions required for successful replication.

In Greece, six LiDAR systems continued operating at representative agricultural and livestock sites, covering olive orchards, cereals, vegetables, vineyards and cattle farming. Several installations remained operational for extended periods of approximately 15 to 25 months, providing real-field datasets and demonstrating the performance of the finalised ClimaMED methodology under typical Mediterranean conditions. Particular attention was given to the installation at a cattle farm in Crete, which demonstrated the applicability of the monitoring approach beyond crop production and provided measurements of CO₂-equivalent and CH₄ emissions from livestock farming. The Greek installations also served as reference demonstration sites for stakeholders and project partners from other participating countries.

In Italy, two LiDAR systems were physically deployed, one at the CERSAA agricultural experimental site and another in the Andora port environment. These deployments provided an important real-world test of the technology under coastal conditions. Persistent high humidity, reaching approximately 99% during the deployment period, affected the devices and prevented stable continuous data acquisition. Nevertheless, the installations successfully demonstrated communication with the telemetry network and their integration and visualisation within the CMM platform. More importantly, the experience identified specific environmental limitations of the current system configuration and provided practical evidence on the adaptations required for future deployment in coastal or high-humidity environments, including enhanced protection of optical components.

In Spain, the replication activities focused on technical training, methodological exchange, visits to operational installations in Crete and demonstrations of the CMM platform. These activities allowed Spanish stakeholders to directly assess the operation, requirements and limitations of the ClimaMED methodology. Additional supporting activities included the preparation of a farmers’ guide and the translation of educational material into Spanish, strengthening the potential for future uptake at national and regional level.

In Cyprus, transferability and replicability were addressed primarily through capacity building, institutional engagement and methodological exchange. Comprehensive educational material on sustainable agriculture, GHG mitigation and monitoring, circular economy approaches and the ClimaMED platform was developed in Greek and English and subsequently translated into Spanish and Italian. Workshops and training activities were organised with the participation of national authorities, research organisations and other stakeholders, including events at Sotira Municipality, the Agricultural Research Institute and the Presidential Palace of Cyprus. Cypriot stakeholders also participated in visits and hands-on training at the operational installations in Crete, gaining direct experience of the LiDAR monitoring approach and the CMM platform.

The demonstration activities generated important technical and methodological lessons for future replication. Stable operation in Greece confirmed the applicability of the system under representative Mediterranean agricultural conditions, while the Italian deployments identified environmental boundaries requiring technical adaptation. Together, these experiences allowed the project to define more realistic prerequisites for future deployment, including site selection, sensor positioning, environmental protection and consideration of local climatic conditions. The livestock demonstration further expanded the potential application of the methodology beyond crop systems.

Action C5 also demonstrated that transferability depends not only on technology but also on knowledge transfer, training and institutional involvement. Cross-country site visits, workshops, technical exchanges, platform demonstrations and multilingual educational materials strengthened the capacity of farmers, researchers, technical staff and public authorities to understand the methodology and assess its potential application in their own contexts. This cooperation culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among participating organisations and stakeholders, establishing a framework for continued collaboration and future replication beyond the LIFE ClimaMED project.

Overall, the deliverable concludes that Action C5 provided implementation-based evidence of where, how and under which conditions the ClimaMED methodology can be transferred and replicated. The combination of successful long-term operation, constrained deployments and structured capacity-building activities enabled the consortium to identify both enabling conditions and limitations, thereby providing a realistic basis for future scaling-up. The results directly supported the development of the project’s Transferability and Replicability Plans and contributed to subsequent activities related to policy uptake, exploitation and commercialisation of the LIFE ClimaMED methodology.

Deliverable - Replicability Plan and Roadmap for Implementation of innovative technologies to measure and monitor GHG emissions and SOC stock changes in different productive European sectors

Extended Summary: This deliverable presents a complete replicability assessment of the four core innovations developed under LIFE ClimaMED: the LIDAR–LoRa–CMM real-time GHG monitoring system, the crop-specific agronomic mitigation guidelines, the Low-GHG Certification system, and the experimental SOC-change estimation methodology. Using a structured WHAT–WHERE–WHO–WHEN–HOW framework, it evaluates their technological maturity, institutional readiness, scientific requirements and operational scaling pathways across different groups of European countries. The document provides a consolidated roadmap explaining how each innovation can transition from pilot-level development to national deployment and, ultimately, to alignment with emerging EU climate and soil-governance frameworks.

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Deliverable - Transferability Plan

Extended Summary: The deliverable presents the Transferability Plan and Roadmap for scaling the two LIFE ClimaMED innovations - the LIDAR–LoRa–CMM system and the SOC stock-change methodology - across productive sectors and European regions. It defines the technical, agronomic and institutional conditions required for reliable deployment, together with phased steps, regional pathways, actors, risks and resource needs. The document provides a practical blueprint for moving from pilot-level demonstrations to broad operational adoption between 2025 and 2035.

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Action C6: Commercialization of project’s outputs

Summary: Action C6 focused on assessing the commercialization and exploitation potential of the technologies, methodologies and services developed within the project and on defining the conditions required for their future market uptake. The analysis considered the technical, economic, environmental and societal factors affecting the scaling-up and adoption of the ClimaMED solutions by public authorities, farmers, farmers’ organisations and other potential users. Particular attention was given to the costs associated with installation, operation and maintenance, expected benefits for different users, market acceptance and the requirements for deploying the system under different agricultural conditions.

A comprehensive Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) was carried out to assess the financial, economic, environmental and societal implications of applying the developed solutions for GHG monitoring and climate change mitigation. Potential benefits for farmers were also examined, particularly the opportunity to demonstrate and capitalise on environmentally friendly agricultural practices and to differentiate agricultural products in markets increasingly influenced by sustainability and environmental performance.

The commercial environment and factors influencing future uptake were further assessed through PESTLE and SWOT analyses, examining political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental conditions as well as the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats associated with the proposed system. A detailed risk assessment and mitigation plan complemented these analyses, identifying potential barriers to implementation and measures for reducing technical, financial, organisational and market-related risks.

Action C6 also addressed the certification, accreditation and regulatory requirements necessary for bringing the developed technologies and services closer to the market. This included consideration of CE marking requirements for the equipment and the establishment of procedures for the accreditation of certification bodies and service providers involved in the installation and operation of the ClimaMED solutions. Particular attention was given to ensuring the reliability and quality of services associated with measurement-based environmental certification.

Based on these analyses, a comprehensive Business Plan was developed defining the proposed service and commercialisation model for the LiDAR equipment, the CMM platform and associated services. The plan identifies potential users and customers, key activities and resources, strategic partners, value propositions, cost and revenue structures, pricing approaches and different financial scenarios. It also provides a framework for further replication and transferability of the ClimaMED solutions and their progressive introduction into relevant markets.

Finally, an Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) management and exploitation framework was developed to support the future use of the project results, addressing ownership, shared rights and exploitation arrangements among the partners. Overall, Action C6 established the economic, organisational and IPR foundations required to move the LIFE ClimaMED results beyond the demonstration stage and towards future exploitation, market deployment and wider uptake of the developed climate-monitoring solutions.

Deliverable - Analysis aimed at identifying strategic partners required for further replicability and transferability of the proposed technologies

Extended Summary: The deliverable provides a strategic framework for the long-term exploitation, replication and transfer of the LIFE ClimaMED results beyond the project lifetime. Recognising that the sustainability and wider uptake of the developed GHG monitoring technologies cannot rely solely on technological readiness, the analysis focuses on the establishment of a partnership-driven exploitation model, capable of bringing together the technical, institutional, commercial and financial capacities required for future deployment.

The proposed framework builds around the main ClimaMED outputs, including the GHG measurement methodology, LiDAR and IoT monitoring infrastructure, CMM platform and associated technical, analytical and advisory services. It examines how these components could be further developed and provided through an operational structure capable of supporting system deployment, testing and calibration, data management and analysis, maintenance, training, technical assistance, regulatory compliance and continuous technological improvement. Particular attention is given to ensuring that the future exploitation model can accommodate different types of users, ranging from individual farmers and producer organisations to public authorities and other organisations involved in agricultural and environmental management.

A major component of the deliverable is the identification and assessment of the categories of strategic partners needed to support this process. These include public authorities and regulatory organisations, technology providers, research and academic institutions, agricultural and industry organisations, environmental and certification bodies, advisory organisations and financial actors. Their potential roles are considered in relation to technology development and integration, scientific validation, regulatory alignment, access to end users, capacity building, financing and market uptake. The analysis highlights the particularly important role of public-sector involvement in facilitating regulatory acceptance, institutional integration and wider-scale deployment of the system.

The deliverable further develops a strategic stakeholder mapping approach, linking different partner profiles with their possible roles, forms of engagement and relevant components of the ClimaMED technological ecosystem. This provides a basis for identifying complementary expertise and resources and for developing partnerships according to the specific requirements of future replication initiatives, rather than applying a single partnership structure to all contexts.

Several potential pathways for future exploitation and impact are also examined. These include direct uptake of ClimaMED services at farm level; delivery of integrated services through cooperatives, consultants and agricultural support organisations; integration of monitoring outputs into regional or national environmental and agricultural frameworks; use of reliable field-level information to support certification, product differentiation and access to green financing; and further replication through technology providers, research organisations and cross-regional innovation networks. Together, these pathways illustrate how the project results could progress from demonstration towards sustained operational use and wider environmental and economic impact.

The analysis also considers the governance and organisational conditions necessary for maintaining such partnerships over time. It outlines the principles for defining responsibilities, coordinating participating actors, ensuring transparent decision-making and maintaining technical and financial sustainability. Different levels of cooperation are considered, from initial coordination and informal collaboration to more structured partnerships, depending on the maturity, objectives and commitments of the participating organisations.

Finally, the deliverable provides guidance for the development and maintenance of successful strategic partnerships, covering partner identification and readiness, establishment of common objectives, allocation of roles and resources, governance arrangements and appropriate forms of partnership agreements. Flexibility, complementary expertise, mutual benefit, trust and clearly defined responsibilities are identified as important conditions for long-term cooperation.

Deliverable - Cost Benefit Analysis of the proposed methodologies

Extended Summary: The deliverable assesses the economic implications and cost-effectiveness of the LIFE ClimaMED approach for reducing GHG emissions from Mediterranean agriculture. The analysis complements the project’s technical and environmental assessment by examining whether the implementation of the proposed monitoring and mitigation approach can generate economic benefits in relation to the investments required, while also considering its potential value for farmers and wider climate policy objectives.

The assessment follows the general principles of the European Commission methodology for the Cost-Benefit Analysis of Investment Projects and combines two complementary approaches: a Least Cost Analysis (LCA), used to evaluate the investment required in relation to the achieved GHG emission reductions, and a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), which monetises the expected emission reductions and considers the distribution of costs and benefits over time. The methodology therefore enables comparison of the economic performance of the proposed approach while recognising that its cost-effectiveness may vary according to crop, local conditions, management practices and the magnitude of the achieved emission reductions.

The analysis is based on the ClimaMED system for monitoring agricultural GHG emissions and on the project results concerning the environmental performance of different Mediterranean cropping systems. For the crops assessed through the project’s Life Cycle Analysis, namely olives, vines, cereals, vegetables and pistachios, crop-specific Global Warming Potential values were incorporated into the assessment. These values can provide an initial reference for evaluating farm emissions until sufficient monitoring data have been accumulated to establish a farm-specific emissions baseline. Once such a baseline is established, subsequent measured emissions can be compared against it to assess changes in the farm’s GHG performance.

The economic assessment considers both the investment and operational costs of the ClimaMED monitoring system and the economic value associated with the reduction of GHG emissions. A five-year assessment period was used to examine the evolution of costs and benefits. The analysis indicates that the economic benefits associated with GHG emission reductions can exceed the corresponding implementation costs for the crop systems examined, although the magnitude of the benefit differs substantially among crops as a consequence of their different emission profiles and mitigation potential. The results therefore demonstrate the importance of assessing cost-effectiveness in relation to the specific agricultural system rather than assuming a uniform economic impact across crops.

A sensitivity analysis was also performed to examine how different assumptions concerning the scale of adoption, achievable GHG reductions and carbon values may influence the expected economic outcome. The results show that projected benefits can vary considerably depending on uptake and market conditions, highlighting both the potential of broader deployment and the uncertainty associated with future carbon-related revenues. This analysis provides an indication of the conditions under which wider implementation of the ClimaMED approach could become increasingly economically attractive.

Beyond the direct monetary value assigned to avoided GHG emissions, the deliverable recognises additional potential benefits for farmers. Verified improvements in environmental performance may support the differentiation of agricultural products, certification approaches and the valorisation of environmentally friendly farming practices, particularly as sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility become increasingly relevant in agricultural markets. These wider benefits are acknowledged but are not fully monetised in the CBA; consequently, the calculated economic benefits represent only part of the potential value generated by the implementation of the ClimaMED approach.

Deliverable - Business plan and IPR agreement

Extended Summary: The deliverable provides the framework for supporting the long-term exploitation and sustainability of the main results developed within LIFE ClimaMED. It brings together the commercial, operational and intellectual property considerations required to facilitate the transition of the project’s technologies and services from demonstration to potential wider uptake after the end of the project.

The Business Plan examines the overall environment for the future deployment of the ClimaMED solutions, including the GHG monitoring system, the CMM platform and associated services. It considers relevant market conditions, potential users and stakeholders, positioning of the proposed solutions, implementation requirements and possible pathways for their future exploitation and replication. The analysis is complemented by an assessment of potential risks and measures supporting the sustainability and wider uptake of the project results.

The deliverable also establishes an IPR management framework for the knowledge, technologies and other assets generated within the project. It addresses the principles and procedures required for their appropriate protection, management, access and future exploitation, in accordance with the LIFE ClimaMED Grant Agreement and Consortium Agreement.

Overall, the deliverable provides a structured basis for the post-project exploitation, market uptake and long-term sustainability of LIFE ClimaMED results, while ensuring that commercial and intellectual property considerations are appropriately managed.

Deliverable - Accreditation of products and providers/manufacturers-Guidelines

Extended Summary: The deliverable establishes a quality assurance, accreditation and certification framework for the technologies, products and service providers associated with the LIFE ClimaMED monitoring system. The guidelines aim to ensure that the technologies supporting GHG monitoring and the related environmental certification approach meet appropriate requirements for technical performance, reliability, traceability and quality. The proposed framework draws on recognised accreditation and quality-management principles and provides procedures covering initial assessment, accreditation, surveillance, renewal and extension of accreditation scope.

A central component of the deliverable is the definition of technical and compliance requirements for the main technological elements developed or applied within ClimaMED. These include the LiDAR monitoring systems, IoT infrastructure, the SOC monitoring methodology and CMM platform, LoRa data loggers and gateways, and autonomous photovoltaic power systems. For each component, the guidelines identify relevant technical requirements, standards, calibration and validation needs, data-quality provisions and supporting documentation. Particular attention is given to measurement accuracy, traceability, data integrity and security, system reliability and the quality of the information used for GHG assessment.

The deliverable also defines a structured accreditation procedure for Certification Bodies involved in the certification of ClimaMED-related products and services. The process covers application and document review, assessment of technical and organisational competence, on-site and witness assessments where appropriate, treatment of non-conformities, accreditation decisions and subsequent surveillance and renewal. The framework is intended to ensure that certification activities are performed by competent and reliable organisations and that accreditation remains subject to continued verification rather than representing a one-time assessment.

A dedicated procedure is established for the certification of products, materials and techniques associated with the ClimaMED approach. The proposed process progresses from definition of certification objectives and criteria through application, technical evaluation, performance testing and compliance assessment to the final certification decision. The guidelines also provide for trial certification of new technologies, followed by evaluation of their performance under operational conditions and subsequent renewal or progression towards longer-term certification where sufficient evidence of reliable performance is available. The pre-certification, certification and post-certification workflows presented in the deliverable provide a practical structure for managing this process throughout the product lifecycle.

In parallel, the deliverable establishes requirements for the certification of providers and manufacturers supplying equipment, software or related services within the ClimaMED framework. Providers are expected to demonstrate adequate organisational and technical capacity, qualified personnel, appropriate quality-management procedures, reliable infrastructure and equipment, data-protection measures and the ability to provide continuing technical support. The proposed assessment process considers technical competence, regulatory compliance, quality-control procedures, operational capacity and the provider’s ability to maintain the required level of service over time. Continued supervision and corrective-action mechanisms are included to ensure that certified providers maintain compliance after initial approval.

The framework further addresses important aspects of quality assurance, including competence of personnel, validation of equipment and software, management of subcontracted activities, documentation and traceability, communication of certification results, handling of complaints and appeals, and procedures for addressing technical deviations and non-conformities. Standardised application forms, checklists and documentation requirements are included to facilitate consistent implementation of the proposed procedures

Deliverable - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats Analysis of the proposed technologies-Strategy development

Extended Summary: This deliverable presents the SWOT analysis of the technologies and services developed within the project and establishes a strategic framework for supporting their future uptake, deployment and exploitation. The analysis considers the internal strengths and weaknesses of the proposed solutions together with the external opportunities and threats that may influence their adoption by farmers, agricultural organisations and other potential users. A PESTLE analysis was first conducted to examine the broader political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental conditions affecting the implementation of GHG monitoring technologies in agriculture. The analysis highlights increasing regulatory and policy pressure for emissions reduction, growing demand for sustainable agricultural production and continuing technological advances as important drivers, while investment costs, farmers’ digital skills, connectivity, data management and privacy remain relevant barriers.

The SWOT assessment identifies several important strengths of the ClimaMED approach, including its applicability to different crops, countries, terrains and spatial scales, its capacity for wide-area and real-time monitoring, the use of low-bandwidth communication solutions, and its potential to support farm decision-making and remote advisory services. The technologies can also contribute to improved environmental performance and product differentiation, while their integration with precision agriculture and existing agricultural networks creates additional opportunities for wider deployment. Key weaknesses and challenges include investment and maintenance costs, technical complexity when systems are deployed at larger scales, the need for specialised support and calibration, dependence on internet connectivity for some applications, limited digital literacy among some farmers and the need to extend validation to a wider range of crops.

Significant opportunities are associated with the availability of agricultural funding and environmental incentives, integration with CAP eco-schemes, emerging carbon-related certification schemes and the increasing market demand for products with demonstrated environmental performance. Alternative business approaches, including equipment sharing, rental or subscription models, cooperation through farmers’ organisations and local advisory services, could further reduce barriers to adoption. Conversely, important threats include farmers’ price sensitivity and resistance to technological change, inadequate digital infrastructure in some rural areas, cybersecurity and data privacy concerns, rapid technological obsolescence and difficulties in demonstrating a clear return on investment.

Based on these findings, the deliverable proposes practical responses to the identified barriers, including financial incentives, scalable pricing models, training and awareness activities, low-bandwidth and offline solutions, secure data management, automated reporting and improved user-friendly interfaces. The assessment concludes that ClimaMED already addresses several important technological challenges, particularly those related to system integration, data processing and management, security and multi-gas monitoring, while further improvements and supporting measures could facilitate wider market uptake.

Finally, the deliverable translates the SWOT findings into a structured strategy-development process for the post-project exploitation of ClimaMED results. The proposed approach is participatory, coordinated, integrated and continuously updated, and follows a seven-stage framework covering Frame, Diagnose, Forecast, Generate Options, Prioritise, Deliver and Evolve. Particular emphasis is placed on farmers’ cooperatives as potential entry points for technology adoption, the development of provider networks, appropriate pricing and financing mechanisms, quality and performance monitoring, and continuous adaptation to technological and market developments. The resulting framework provides a strategic pathway for maintaining and expanding the ClimaMED system, including the CMM platform and associated monitoring and telemetry technologies, and for supporting their longer-term replication, commercialisation and uptake.

Milestone

Completion of all appropriate studies that will boost market entry of the ClimaMED products/service

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Action D1: Monitoring of the impact of the project

Summary: Action D1 focused on the systematic monitoring and assessment of the environmental and socio-economic impacts of the project. Project implementation and achievements were also monitored through the LIFE performance indicators (KPIs), covering technical outputs, pilot activities, transferability and replicability, stakeholder engagement and policy interaction.

An important component of the action was the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the ClimaMED monitoring infrastructure and methodology, carried out in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. The assessment considered the environmental impacts associated with the life cycle of the developed devices, services and digital infrastructure. The results showed that the environmental and energy footprint of the ClimaMED system remains moderate in relation to the functionality provided and its potential long-term contribution to accurate GHG monitoring and targeted climate-change mitigation in agriculture.

In parallel, the socio-economic impact assessment examined the effects of the ClimaMED approach on farmers, cooperatives, policymakers, agronomists and other stakeholders. Positive impacts were identified in relation to climate-change adaptation, stakeholder engagement, skills development and employment opportunities, as well as the potential economic valorisation of low-GHG agricultural products through the certification approach developed by the project.

Overall, Action D1 confirmed the environmental and socio-economic relevance of the ClimaMED approach and provided evidence supporting its wider deployment as a tool for climate-smart agriculture and evidence-based environmental and agricultural decision-making.

Deliverable - Life Cycle Analysis of all products and services of ClimaMED

Extended Summary: The deliverable assesses the environmental footprint associated with the technologies, infrastructure and services developed and operated within the project. The objective was to quantify the environmental impacts generated throughout their life cycle and to identify opportunities for reducing these impacts, thereby assessing the environmental performance of the project methodology itself.

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted according to ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2006. The system boundaries covered the main stages of the ClimaMED infrastructure, from the supply and transportation of components through installation and assembly, operation and maintenance, and access to the generated results. The assessment included the principal elements of the monitoring system, such as LiDAR devices, meteorological stations, telemetry and data-logging equipment, photovoltaic systems and the web-based infrastructure. Primary information was collected from project beneficiaries through a dedicated questionnaire and complemented with recognised Life Cycle Inventory data.

The environmental assessment considered a range of midpoint impact categories, including Global Warming Potential, Acidification Potential, Eutrophication Potential, Ozone Depletion Potential, Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential and Cumulative Energy Demand, together with selected indicators related to human health. The analysis provided a quantified picture of the environmental and energy requirements associated with deploying and operating the ClimaMED monitoring approach.

The results showed that the environmental footprint of the ClimaMED infrastructure is moderate in relation to the functionality provided and its potential contribution to long-term, measurement-based GHG monitoring and mitigation in agriculture. The assessment also identified opportunities for further reducing environmental impacts, particularly through careful selection and efficient use of equipment and materials, reduced transportation, increased use of renewable energy, extension of equipment lifetime and appropriate recycling and waste-management practices.

Overall, the deliverable confirms the environmental feasibility of the ClimaMED monitoring approach and provides a basis for improving its environmental performance during future replication and wider deployment.

Deliverable - Socio-economic impact of LIFE ClimaMED project

Extended Summary: The deliverable assesses the social and economic effects generated by the project and the potential longer-term implications of the ClimaMED methodology for farmers, agricultural communities and other relevant stakeholders. The assessment examined several dimensions, including climate-change adaptation, farmers’ wellbeing, stakeholder engagement, employment and skills development, health and safety, environmental risks, social inclusion and the anticipated longer-term benefits of the project.

The assessment was primarily based on structured questionnaires and evidence generated through project implementation and stakeholder engagement. Farmers, cooperatives, policymakers, educational institutions and agronomists were among the main stakeholder groups considered. The results highlighted the importance of direct interaction with stakeholders through workshops, public meetings, consultations and other engagement activities, which contributed to knowledge exchange, environmental awareness and acceptance of the project approach.

The analysis identified positive potential impacts in terms of adaptation of the agricultural sector to climate change, farmers’ income and wellbeing, community engagement, employment opportunities and skills development. Additional economic opportunities may arise from activities associated with the deployment and maintenance of monitoring technologies and digital infrastructure, as well as from the potential differentiation and increased competitiveness of agricultural products with demonstrated low-GHG performance. Health, safety and environmental risks associated with project activities were generally assessed as limited, while no significant negative social impacts were identified.

The deliverable also considers the project’s social life-cycle impacts using selected human-health-related indicators and examined factors that may affect the future uptake of the developed solutions. Important challenges include initial technology costs, access to training and technical skills, resistance to technological change and the need for appropriate financial incentives and policy support.

Overall, the assessment indicates that LIFE ClimaMED can generate positive socio-economic benefits alongside its environmental objectives, while contributing to stronger stakeholder engagement, skills development, climate resilience and more sustainable agricultural production. The results also underline the importance of continued capacity building, financial support and an enabling policy framework for achieving wider and sustained adoption of the ClimaMED approach.

Milestone

Effective monitoring and assessment of the outputs and impact of the project taking into account the LIFE project performance indicators (KPI).

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Action E1: Interaction and collaboration with stakeholders

Summary: Action E1 focused on structured interaction with farmers, farmers’ organisations, agricultural professionals, public authorities and policy actors in the participating countries, with the objective of assessing the practical applicability, acceptance and policy integration of the ClimaMED methodologies. Stakeholder engagement was implemented throughout the project through meetings, consultations, technical exchanges and targeted events, culminating in six dedicated round-table discussions organised in Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Spain. Approximately 100 external stakeholders participated in these events, representing farmers and cooperatives, agricultural advisors, regional and local authorities, national ministries and other policy-relevant organisations.

The interaction was deliberately designed as a two-way consultation process, allowing stakeholders not only to become familiar with the ClimaMED monitoring and certification approach, but also to critically assess its practical implications. Particularly intensive interaction with farmers’ organisations and regional authorities took place in Spain throughout the project, while targeted consultations with national and local stakeholders were also undertaken in Cyprus and Italy.

Importantly, stakeholder feedback had a direct impact on the final ClimaMED methodology. Concerns regarding the possible influence of external emission sources on field measurements led to refinements of the baseline approach used within the certification framework, including the use of LCA-based reference values and multi-year monitoring data. Discussions on organic amendments and soil carbon management also contributed to improving the way agricultural practices, measured emissions and their longer-term climate benefits are represented within the methodology and the CMM platform. In this way, Action E1 functioned as an important validation mechanism, helping ensure that the final approach was not only scientifically robust but also fair, understandable and practically acceptable to its intended users.

A particularly important outcome of the stakeholder and policy dialogue was the translation of the ClimaMED results into concrete regulatory proposals. In Greece, the legislative proposal developed through the project was formally adopted and voted by the Greek Parliament, establishing the legislative basis for implementation of the ClimaMED approach. Building on this experience and on feedback collected nationally, draft proposals for the regulatory integration of the ClimaMED methodology were also developed in Cyprus, Italy and Spain, including provisions for appropriate national structures to support future monitoring and data management.

Deliverable - Report for the conclusions of the round-table-events in the four countries

The deliverable presents the stakeholder consultation activities carried out under Action E1 in Greece, Italy, Cyprus and Spain, supported by photographic material from the six events. It provides an overview of the participating stakeholder groups, the ClimaMED technologies and proposed policy applications presented during the events, and the discussions that followed. Particular attention is given to the questions, concerns, objections and recommendations raised by stakeholders, together with the responses provided by the consortium. The report also documents how stakeholder feedback was assessed and, where relevant, taken into account in refining the ClimaMED methodology and its proposed implementation and policy framework. Finally, it summarises the main conclusions emerging from the consultation process and their contribution to the future uptake of the ClimaMED approach.

View / download the full deliverable (PDF)

Deliverable - A draft law to be directed to the Greek Parliament (Final Legislative Proposal)

Although the Grant Agreement foresaw the preparation of a draft law to be directed to the Greek Parliament, the project achieved a substantially stronger result: the legislative proposal developed under LIFE ClimaMED was adopted by the Greek State and enacted by the Hellenic Parliament as part of Law 5184/2025 (Government Gazette A’ 34/06.03.2025). More specifically, Articles 30–33 establish a national system for recording direct GHG emissions from agriculture, explicitly based on the monitoring system developed within LIFE ClimaMED. The legislation provides for field devices measuring CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O in real time and an operational centre receiving and processing measurements to estimate emissions from agricultural land. It also establishes the framework for utilisation and operation of the system by the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, together with the necessary implementing and transitional provisions. Thus, the foreseen draft proposal resulted in the formal incorporation of a core LIFE ClimaMED outcome into Greek national legislation.

View / download the adopted legislation (PDF)

Deliverable - Three proposals for draft Laws for Italy, Cyprus and Spain

Building on the legislative framework developed in Greece under LIFE ClimaMED, three draft legislative proposals were prepared for Cyprus, Italy and Spain, with the support of the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food. The proposals were adapted to the respective national or regional contexts to facilitate future institutional adoption and replication of the ClimaMED GHG monitoring approach. They provide a common regulatory basis for measurement, recording and monitoring of CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O emissions from agricultural areas, addressing deployment of field monitoring devices, collection and processing of data, use of monitoring results by competent authorities and farmers, potential issuance of certificates documenting field-level GHG emissions, national implementation arrangements and possible incentives supporting farmers’ participation. Overall, the deliverable demonstrates the transferability of the legislative approach developed in Greece and provides adaptable frameworks for future incorporation of the ClimaMED methodology into the regulatory and policy systems of Cyprus, Italy and Spain.

View / download the three draft legislative proposals (PDF)

Milestone

Engagement of national stakeholders and agreements for policy interventions

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Action E2: Dissemination, Communication and Networking

Summary: Action E2 ensured the broad dissemination and communication of LIFE ClimaMED results throughout the project lifetime, targeting farmers, agricultural professionals, researchers, public authorities, policymakers, students, educators and the wider public. A wide range of communication channels and activities was used, combining online dissemination, scientific communication, workshops and training, participation in conferences and major agricultural and environmental exhibitions, educational activities and networking with other LIFE and European initiatives. The project achieved substantial visibility in the participating countries and internationally, while several activities exceeded those originally foreseen in the Grant Agreement.

Among the main dissemination and communication achievements were more than 3,400 users reached through the project website; 22 presentations at national and international scientific conferences; 8 peer-reviewed scientific publications; 3 project videos and 3 e-newsletters; multiple workshops and training activities in Greece, Spain and Cyprus; the three-day OpenEARTH 2024 international conference, which brought together around 175 scientists, stakeholders, authorities, educators and students; participation in major exhibitions and public events including Agrotica, Verde.tec and the Aegina Pistachio Festival; and extensive networking with LIFE and other European projects. Additional outputs included a farmers' guide, multilingual educational and training material, and recognition of LIFE ClimaMED as "Project of the Month" by the Greek LIFE Task Force.

Deliverable - Project website and social media accounts

The deliverable describes the design and development of the project's official website and the online communication channels used to disseminate LIFE ClimaMED activities and results throughout the project lifetime.

Deliverable - Layman's Report

The LIFE ClimaMED Layman's Report provides a concise and accessible overview of the project, its main activities, achievements and results for a non-specialist audience. It presents the project's objectives, the innovative LIDAR and IoT-based technologies developed for on-site measurement of greenhouse gas emissions and Soil Organic Carbon stock changes, the main results and achievements, the legislative proposals prepared within the project, and the project's plans for the future.

View / download the Layman's Report (PDF)

Deliverable - Proceedings of the 3-days Symposium

The Proceedings of the three-day international OpenEARTH 2024 Conference on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, organised in Rethymno, Crete, on 26-28 November 2024, were prepared and published, bringing together the scientific contributions and main outcomes presented during the event.

View / download the OpenEARTH 2024 Proceedings (PDF)

Deliverable - Official Edition of ClimaMED Results

The Official Edition of LIFE ClimaMED Results provides a comprehensive overview of the project's main activities, achievements, methodologies and results. It presents the development and field implementation of the LIDAR greenhouse-gas measurement system, the IoT telemetry infrastructure, and the Center for Greenhouse Gas Monitoring and Management (CMM) platform; describes the project's legislative and policy work; and summarises its dissemination achievements. The publication highlights how the project's monitoring technologies and centralized data-management approach can support farmers, producer groups and public authorities in measuring greenhouse-gas emissions, improving reporting and decision-making, and promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.

View / download the Official Edition of ClimaMED Results (PDF)