Clear, scalable and scientific framework to measure terrestrial biodiversity

Project Information

Biodiversity Credits

Grant agreement ID: 101144456

DOI

10.3030/101144456

Project closed

EC signature date 12 December 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 31 December 2025

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 3 218 163,75

EU contribution

€ 2 252 714,63

Coordinated by

3BEE SRL
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Biodiversity Credits (Clear, scalable and scientific framework to measure terrestrial biodiversity)

Reporting period: 2024-01-01 to 2024-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The project focuses on advancing biodiversity monitoring by integrating AI, IoT, and satellite data to provide accurate and scalable environmental assessments. Driven by the need for standardized biodiversity measurement, it addresses gaps in current monitoring methodologies by developing innovative tools such as the FLORA platform and the Element-E Protocol. These solutions enhance real-time biodiversity evaluation, improve land cover classification, and establish reliable biodiversity credit certification. The project’s impact pathway involves scientific validation, regulatory alignment through the UNI PdR standard, and broad adoption across industries and policymakers, ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The project has enhanced biodiversity monitoring through the integration of AI, IoT, and satellite data. Among the key developments, the FLORA platform leverages ESA Sentinel-2 data, IoT sensors, and artificial intelligence for real-time assessments, including MSA calculation aligned with ESRS standards.

A multi-layered benchmarking model has been implemented to analyze biodiversity, comparing temporal data, production processes, and ecological impacts between sites and control areas. LSTM neural networks have been trained for land cover classification and biodiversity index prediction, achieving an accuracy of 60-70% for land cover and 28-65% for tree species, with a high correlation in nectar potential predictions.

The Element-E Protocol, certified by Bureau Veritas and applied across 31 sites covering 10,910 hectares, integrates satellite data, IoT monitoring, and field sampling for biodiversity credit assessment. It includes AI-driven MSA calculation, IoT-based pollinator acoustic monitoring, soil and water quality analysis, and open data sharing for research purposes.

Additionally, the adoption of a UNI reference standard (PdR) for biodiversity credit certification has been initiated, with official approval expected in 2024. Led by Dr. Simone Mazzola and developed with contributions from academia, industry, and regulators, the standard was presented at Ecomondo 2024 and is currently under public consultation.

The results achieved strengthen the scalability of biodiversity credit certification and support industry adoption through the UNI standard. Future efforts will focus on improving AI models, expanding field validation, and integrating additional biodiversity metrics to consolidate leadership in biodiversity monitoring innovation.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The EIC project has redefined AI-driven biodiversity monitoring, setting a new standard in ecological impact assessment. Its key achievement, the Element-E Protocol, certified by Bureau Veritas, integrates satellite data, IoT sensors, and AI for scalable, transparent biodiversity evaluation. Advanced LSTM neural networks enhance land cover classification using Sentinel-2 imagery, improving risk assessment and biodiversity credit valuation. A multi-layered benchmarking system tracks biodiversity trends across industries, while the ongoing UNI PdR standardization aligns with EU regulations, fostering market adoption. These innovations strengthen conservation strategies, support compliance with EU policies, and enable a biodiversity credit market.

For broader adoption and commercial success, several aspects require further development. Expanded field validation is needed to refine AI predictions, alongside deeper integration with ESG and climate reporting. The project must also define monetization pathways for biodiversity credits within carbon markets and engage investors to position them as viable financial assets. Corporate partnerships across agriculture, real estate, and finance are crucial, as is investment in scalable cloud infrastructure to support global monitoring.

Regulatory alignment is essential to formalize biodiversity credits within environmental compensation frameworks, expanding the UNI PdR standard to harmonize with global biodiversity accounting models. Additionally, methodologies must adapt to high-biodiversity-loss regions, while the Element-E Protocol and AI models require strategic intellectual property protection.

In conclusion, the project has laid a strong foundation for biodiversity monitoring and credit assessment. To achieve long-term impact, continued research, financial frameworks, industry collaborations, regulatory support, and global scalability are key. By addressing these needs, biodiversity credits can emerge as a mainstream financial tool, driving corporate sustainability, land conservation, and ecosystem regeneration.

3Bee Platform with biodiversity indexes map

IoT sensors for pollinators monitoring

3Bee Platform with monitored pollinators