ΕλληνικάAction A1: Analysis of the current situation regarding climate change mitigation and adaptation needs in the partner municipalities – SWOT analysis
Deliverable: Report on the overall assessment of the current situation in the partner municipalities and SWOT analysis results
SWOT analysis is a widely used tool for evaluating the current state of a subject and guiding decision-making. By balancing internal and external factors, it supports strategic planning and offers key insights. In assessing urban green areas and their role in climate adaptation within the LIFE GrIn project’s pilot Municipalities, a scientific, data-driven approach was applied, going beyond stakeholder views to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.
In the project’s first year, Homeotech Co. carried out the SWOT analysis using literature and field data (Action A1.2.). The collected information included demographic, sociological, and geographic data, with a focus on urban green areas. Climate trends and risks were analyzed (Action A1.1.), alongside flora, vegetation, biodiversity, and bioindicators (Lepidoptera). Phenotypic analysis of woody species and carbon absorption estimates were also conducted. Existing initiatives and strategies related to urban green and climate action were taken into account.
Urban green infrastructure was mapped in detail, covering street trees, public green areas, unmanaged spaces, churchyards, hospital gardens, and streams. A scoreboard-style questionnaire enabled municipalities to assess their own management practices.
The SWOT analysis identified key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, helping prioritize climate adaptation needs and enhancing resilience planning in urban green areas (Action C3).
SWOT analysis for the Municipality of Amarousion
SWOT analysis for the Municipality of Heraklion
LIFE17GICGR000029_A1_SWOT analysis_MoA_Final
LIFE17GICGR000029_A1_SWOT analysis_MoΗ_Final
Action A.2. Elaboration of Detailed Communication Plan
Deliverable: Communication plan & Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
The communication plan, developed under Action A.2., defines the project’s communication needs and activities to support the successful achievement of LIFE GrIn’s goals. It facilitates the collaboration between partners, stakeholders, and communities, promoting effective dialogue and engagement.
The core concept centers on creating a green alliance involving citizens and municipalities in joint climate action. Public participation is key, generating a feedback loop where increased citizen engagement drives municipal response, and vice versa, enhancing urban green management.
The strategy outlines branding, tone of voice, audience segmentation, and key messages, with a focus on positive, solution-oriented communication. It also details how to leverage media, social platforms, and the project website, aiming for impact that lasts beyond the project’s duration.
Finally, it includes KPIs and measurable outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of all communication efforts.
Action C.1: Implementation of climate governance in the management & monitoring of urban green areas
C1.1 Elaboration of guidelines for the strategic planning and management of urban green areas in response to climate change
Deliverable: Guidelines for the strategic planning and management of urban green areas in response to climate change
To minimize maintenance costs and maximize the benefits of urban green, proper management is essential. This deliverable describes the proposed guidelines for the strategic planning and management of Urban Green Areas (UGAs) to address climate change, through the development of an Urban Green Strategic Management Plan. This plan sets goals and policies to improve urban life via ecosystem services, assess current conditions, identify challenges, and define a shared vision for sustainable growth.
LIFE GrIn introduces this structured approach, relatively new in Greece, focusing on climate-effective and sustainable UGA management. UGAs are treated as vital infrastructure that enhances climate resilience and urban wellbeing. The strategy aligns with the EU’s climate adaptation goals, aiming for smarter, faster, and more systemic responses, with an emphasis on nature-based solutions integrated into urban planning.
The guidelines were informed by:
- JMD 133384/6587/2015 (YPEN) on urban park management.
- The HOMEOTECH project in Thessaloniki on urban forestry and climate adaptation.
To ensure alignment with local adaptation plans, LIFE GrIn used the UAST framework to integrate UGA management, either as standalone sections or as parts of existing plans. The integration process includes six key phases: Planning, Risk Assessment, Measure Selection, Evaluation, Implementation, and Monitoring.
The guidelines offer a practical, science-based roadmap for cities aiming to improve environmental quality and climate resilience, including:
- Strategic Planning Framework – step-by-step guidance focusing on heat and flood mitigation.
- Legal Framework – relevant national and EU regulations for municipal compliance.
- Monitoring Indicators – metrics like UGA per capita, biodiversity, canopy cover, and carbon capture.
- Community Engagement – practices for public involvement through workshops and outreach.
- Sustainability Tools – resources to support long-term green space benefits and efficient maintenance.
C1.2 Development of an indicators’ system for the integrated evaluation – monitoring of urban green areas in relation to climate change
Deliverable: Indicators’ system on indicators for the evaluation – monitoring of urban green areas in relation to climate change
The second part of the action aims to propose a method for monitoring and evaluating the ecological quality of Green Infrastructure and their role in climate change adaptation and mitigation, using specific indicators aligned with those of the European Environment Agency.
A guide supplements the strategic guidelines for urban green management. It includes a model system tailored to urban ecosystems, supporting holistic management and informed decision-making in urban forestry.
Data collection and analysis help define strategic goals, apply necessary measures, and evaluate their effectiveness. The assessment of urban green areas was conducted using FRAGSTATS software, applying spatial and ecological indicators adapted to Greek conditions. The indicators also cover biodiversity, vegetation health, carbon sequestration, thermal comfort, and the socio-economic well-being of citizens.
These indicators are proposed to be used at all stages of management—initially to pose the baseline, to assess the implementation, and finally for the evaluation.
Deliverable: Report on the results of public consultation
The outputs of Action C1 were officially published and opened for public consultation, which began on February 25, 2021, and lasted 31 days. The consultation involved a dedicated online forum and outreach via social media, reaching over 5,000 individuals. Though feedback was limited in volume, it was targeted and insightful.
Key topics included strategic planning, legal frameworks, terminology, and the development of urban green monitoring indicators. Stakeholders suggested improvements such as more detailed data on tree health, green coverage, carbon storage, and clearer data presentation.
These suggestions were incorporated into the final guidelines and indicator system, which underwent additional review by the Stakeholders Committee.
LIFE17GICGR000029_C1_Consultation Report
LIFE17GICGR000029_C1_Guidelines&Indicators_Final
Action C2: Development of cooperation platform and register of urban green infrastructure
At both national and EU levels, there is a lack of detailed data on the state of urban green infrastructure. To address this, the LIFE GrIn project created the National Green Database (NGDB) Cooperation Platform, intended to evolve into a National Urban Green Infrastructure Register. It enables municipalities in Greece to register, map, and monitor their urban green areas.
Built using Drupal and Leaflet, the platform collects data on quantity, quality, biodiversity, and usage of urban green spaces. It also integrates a system of indicators for climate-related monitoring, allowing municipalities to upload supporting documentation and plans.
Geospatial data entry enhances visualization and management, helping municipalities allocate resources efficiently and increase urban resilience. After the project ended, the platform’s management was transferred to the Ministry of Environment and Energy, ensuring long-term operation and integration into national policy.
Public access to parts of the platform fosters transparency, citizen engagement, and environmental education. It includes general information on urban forestry and a practical tree selection guide.
Action C3: Sustainable management of urban green areas in partner Municipalities
C3.1 Elaboration of 10-year management plans for urban green areas (UGAs) in 2 municipalities
Deliverable#1: Strategic Management Plan for UGAs in the city of Amarousion, Attiki
Deliverable#2: Strategic Management Plan for UGAs in the city of Heraklion, Crete
The 10-year Strategic Management Plan for Urban Green Areas in the two pilot municipalities aims to integrate climate governance into urban green management through a structured, indicator-based framework aligned with Action C1.
It builds on comprehensive baseline data from Action A1, which assessed the ecological and functional status of urban green areas using field data on biodiversity, biometrics and silvicultural characteristics, and carbon storage.
Guided by the indicator system of Action C1, management measures focus on improving soil, reducing sealing, optimizing water use, and selecting vegetation to boost biodiversity and carbon capture. Actions are classified as conservation, maintenance, replacement, or removal based on site conditions.
The framework enables consistent, data-driven monitoring and adaptation to strategic goals. Implementation is supported through public consultation and funding from municipal, national, and external sources, ensuring a scientifically grounded and goal-oriented plan over the 10-year period.
LIFE17GICGR000029_C3_Strategic Plan_MoA_Final
LIFE17GICGR000029_C3_Strategic Plan_MoΗ_Final
Action C5: Replication & transfer plan of the project results
Deliverable#1: National replication plan & transfer strategy
The deliverable for Action C5 of the LIFE GrIn project, titled “National Replication Plan and Transfer Strategy,” aims to integrate green infrastructure to enhance climate governance at the municipal level. It provides a strategic roadmap for replicating and transferring the project’s results to 10 Greek municipalities, supporting sustainable urban development and climate resilience.
Key goals include the dissemination of the Strategic Guidelines for Urban Green Management (Action C.1) and the Promotion of the Cooperation Platform and Urban Green Infrastructure Registry (Action C.2) as tools for governance and citizen engagement.
The plan follows a structured process:
- Initial Outreach: Press releases and formal invitations.
- Engagement: Follow-ups via phone and in-person meetings.
- Support: Workshops and advisory sessions for implementation support.
The focus is on municipal authorities—especially mayors, green space departments, technical and financial services, and in order to do so ten municipalities were selected based on criteria such as size and location.
Outreach tools include:
- Communication and information material.
- Radio and social media content
- Workshops and printed guidelines.
The strategy identifies key barriers and proposes solutions:
- Municipal Disinterest: Addressed by aligning with EU climate policies and showcasing practical benefits.
- Integration Challenges: Tackled through capacity-building and technical support.
- Funding Limitations: Explored via EU (e.g., LIFE, Cohesion Fund) and national funding sources (e.g., Green Fund).
The strategy is expected to strengthen urban climate resilience and foster public awareness and involvement in green initiatives.
Deliverable#2: Transferability & replicability plan for Italy or/ and Spain
The Replication and Transferability Plan for Italy, developed by Noesis European Development Consulting, outlines strategies to apply successful LIFE GrIn project outcomes within Italian municipalities, seen as key agents of change.
Italy was selected due to its significant greenhouse gas emissions, despite achieving a 13% reduction between 2005 and 2020. Challenges remain in the field of urban green infrastructure (UGI), largely due to institutional fragmentation and the absence of unified policies. Although there are scattered local initiatives, a cohesive national framework is still lacking. The plan stresses the need for stronger, more consistent structures aligned with the EU Green Deal and Italy’s ecological transition goals.
Two main LIFE GrIn actions were identified for promotion in Italy:
- Action C1: Strategic guidelines for planning and managing urban green areas to enhance climate adaptation and resilience.
- Action C2: IT tools to support C1, including a UGI inventory for authorized data access and a public platform to share urban green initiatives.
The plan seeks to:
- Equip municipalities with knowledge and tools to manage UGI effectively.
- Promote a network of municipalities and stakeholders.
- Highlight funding opportunities and cost-effective implementation methods.
The approach prioritizes stakeholder engagement and support, aiming to integrate green infrastructure into municipal planning.
Implementation starts with communication campaigns—such as press releases through local media—and official invitations to municipal actors (mayors, green space directors, technical teams). To ensure accessibility, key tools and documents are translated into Italian and Spanish.
LIFE17GICGR000029_C5_Replicability and transferability plan_National
LIFE17GICGR000029_C5_Replicability and transferability plan_Italy
C1_Guidelines_Short – C1_Indicators_Short – C1_Platform_Short
C1_Guidelines_Short – C1_Indicators_Short – C1_Platform_Short
C1_Guidelines_Short – C1_Indicators_Short – C1_Platform_Short
Action D1: Monitoring of the impact of the project actions
#1.Bioindicators
The comparative biodiversity assessment using bioindicators in the Municipalities of Amaroussion and Heraklion highlighted the impact of urban green management on ecosystem dynamics. Conducted under Action C3, the study evaluated Lepidopteran diversity and abundance before and after green interventions as part of broader efforts to integrate green infrastructure and enhance urban climate governance.
In Amaroussion, the second phase of fieldwork (following initial assessments in Action A1) recorded increased species richness and abundance (+73 individuals, +6 species), including ecologically valuable species like Lycaena phlaeas and Iphiclides podalirius. However, overall community composition remained stable, largely due to the consistent dominance of generalist species such as Pieris rapae.
Similar positive trends were observed in Heraklion, where post-intervention surveys showed improved species diversity and abundance. Notable gains in biodiversity indices (Simpson, Shannon) were found at sites with extensive vegetation. Still, delays and incomplete public works limited analysis to three locations.
Although biodiversity metrics improved in both municipalities, no statistically significant bioindicators for environmental change were found—possibly due to the resilience of generalist species and time-lagged ecological responses. The findings support continued urban ecological restoration as a key strategy for promoting biodiversity, even if integrating Lepidopteran data directly into climate policy remains complex.
#2. Mapping
The study of the abundance and distribution of woody and herbaceous plant species in urban green spaces is essential for biodiversity management and urban sustainability. These spaces provide vital ecosystem services, such as air purification, temperature regulation, and water management, improving residents’ quality of life.
This research focuses on the municipalities of Amarousion and Heraklion, aiming to map and analyze the presence of plant species in their green spaces. Woody and herbaceous plants enhance urban resilience to environmental challenges, while native species support local ecosystems and reduce dependence on non-native, potentially invasive, species.
The methodology was based on QGIS 3.38.2, a GIS software used to process and visualize geospatial data. Plant species records were linked to georeferenced points, allowing accurate mapping of their abundance and distribution.
In Amarousion, 16 maps were produced, and in Heraklion, 14 maps, each illustrating the spatial distribution of plant species across urban green areas. These visual tools help identify biodiversity patterns and inform conservation strategies.
Overall, the study underscores the importance of managing urban green spaces to maintain ecological stability and support sustainable urban development amid growing environmental pressures.
LIFE17GICGR000029_D1_Mapping_AS
LIFE17GICGR000029_D1_Vascular Plants_Fin
LIFE17GICGR000029_D1_Phenotypes_Fin
LIFE17GICGR000029_D1_Climate_Fin
