Organisation Profile
Innovation for sustainable natural resource management
The Interbalkan Environment Center (i-BEC) is a mature and well-established research and innovation body, with more than 20 years of continuous presence and contribution in environmental management and the agri-food sector. Its activity began in 2006 on the initiative of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), under the scientific guidance of Emeritus Professor G. Zalidis, with the aim of connecting scientific knowledge with public administration, local government, business and civil society.
i-BEC was formed through the collaboration of institutional bodies at different levels of governance, including the Regions of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace, Western and Central Macedonia, the Municipalities of Oraiokastro, Delta and Lagadas, as well as research institutions such as the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH). Its legal form as a non-profit civil company safeguards operational flexibility, while the composition of the participating bodies guarantees its public and developmental character.
Internationally, i-BEC acts as a regional and national representative member in networks and initiatives, and is registered with the Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN), strengthening Greece’s participation in global action on the management and monitoring of soil resources.
- 20+
- Years of operation
- 28
- Specialised services
- 32
- Specialised protocols
- 130+
- National & European projects
History
The Center’s activity began in 2006 on the initiative of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and was formally established on 30 July 2007 by the Regional Development Fund of Central Macedonia, the Research Committee of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Municipality of Lagadas, within the "Establishment of Balkan Environment Center" (BEC) project, funded through INTERREG III. It has since operated as a non-profit civil company, with the participation of regions, municipalities and research institutions.
Mission
i-BEC promotes collaboration between the public and private sectors and the scientific community on sustainable management and protection of natural resources, supporting and co-developing with AUTH state-of-the-art technologies and innovative research.
Vision
To serve as a hub of innovation and technology transfer for sustainable natural resource management across the Balkans, Middle East and North Africa.
Operational and Strategic Development
i-BEC offers a complete and mature service portfolio, with 28 specialised services covering critical areas of the agri-food sector and the environment.
Agri-food sector
Services across the agri-food chain, from primary production to food quality.
Soil Monitoring Lab (SML)
Services delivered within the SML, including applications related to the LULUCF sector.
Environmental applications
Services focused on environmental applications, reflecting the interdisciplinary and applied orientation of the organisation.
Operational capacity is evidenced by the development of 32 specialised protocols and compliance with international quality and verification standards, while the implementation of more than 130 national and European projects demonstrates long-standing experience in managing complex research and technology actions.
i-BEC has developed innovative products and infrastructure, such as in-situ greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring systems, digital platforms and tools (FTD), and dedicated stations measuring CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O under real field conditions. A central pillar of its technological capacity is its Soil Spectral Libraries — critical infrastructure for the rapid, non-destructive and reliable estimation of soil parameters.
A key strategic axis is supporting the transition of agriculture and land management towards low-carbon systems, through reliable data, systematic monitoring and effective information governance.
Quality and verification standards
- ISO 9001
- ISO 17025
- ISO 14064
Alignment with policy and market requirements
The work of i-BEC sits within the framework of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027), contributing to actions that reduce the carbon footprint of crops, such as optimised irrigation and fertilisation and reduced agrochemical use. It also supports requirements arising from ESG reporting and Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), providing documented emissions data and life cycle assessments (LCA).
- CAP 2023–2027
- ESG reporting
- EPD
- LCA
- GHG Protocol
Technological Capabilities and Areas of Expertise
i-BEC develops an integrated ecosystem of technologies and services covering the full span — from data collection and management to analysis, application and use at policy and market level.
Earth Observation
Satellite data and EO services as the basis for monitoring soils, crops and ecosystems.
In-situ measurements
Sensor networks and field stations, including CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O measurements under real conditions.
Spectroscopy & spectral libraries
Soil Spectral Libraries and portable sensors for rapid, non-destructive estimation of soil parameters.
Models & Artificial Intelligence
Computational models and AI algorithms for analysis, prediction and decision support.
Digital data infrastructure
Data Cube infrastructure and management and analysis platforms underpinning models and applications.
Digital Twins
Integration of EO data, in-situ measurements and models for real-time simulation and optimisation of agricultural practices.
Carbon quantification
Chemical analyses (ISO 17025), ISO 14064-based MRV, LCA and the GHG Protocol for reliable data at reduced cost.
Living Labs & pilots
Solutions tested and evaluated under real conditions, together with research bodies, producers and businesses.
Food quality & authenticity
Food databases and spectral libraries, with tools for adulteration detection, origin verification and traceability.
The overall approach of i-BEC aligns with contemporary scientific and policy frameworks, such as the One Health approach and the Nexus approach (water–soil–energy–food), recognising the interconnection of natural resources, ecosystems and human activity. Through this systemic approach, integrated solutions are developed that support sustainable development, public health and the resilience of agri-food and environmental systems.
Scientific Leadership and Staffing
Scientific Director
Emeritus Professor Georgios C. Zalidis
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Professor Zalidis has decades of internationally recognised scientific and research activity in soil science, environmental management and the use of Earth Observation data to support sustainable policy in the agri-food and environmental sectors. He is a graduate of the School of Agriculture of AUTh, holds a PhD from Michigan State University and carried out postdoctoral research at the same university.
His published work includes papers in international scientific journals, books and book chapters, and presentations at international conferences, in fields such as remote sensing, soil spectroscopy, geospatial analysis, precision agriculture and sustainable natural resource management. He has served as scientific lead or collaborator on more than 130 national and European research projects and has taken part in international scientific committees and initiatives.
- 117+
- Papers in international journals
- 5,000+
- Citations in the literature
- 41
- h-index (Google Scholar)
- 130+
- Research projects
International committees and initiatives
- GEO – Group on Earth Observations
- GEOGLAM (United Nations)
- GLOSOLAN
People
The i-BEC team is interdisciplinary, covering a broad range of fields including agronomy, soil science, engineering, mathematics and economics. Its composition adapts dynamically to the requirements of each project, while specialised scientific and technical staff are added as needed, allowing flexibility in staffing and optimal use of available expertise.
Values
Scientific Integrity
Research grounded in evidence and international standards.
International Cooperation
Networking with EU, UN and regional partners.
Sustainability
Natural resource protection and climate-smart solutions.
Innovation
Development and application of modern Earth Observation technologies.
Partners
i-BEC is supported by 8 partners representing the academic and research community and every level of public administration (regions and municipalities).
- Region of Central Macedonia – Regional Development Fund
- Region of Western Macedonia – Regional Development Fund
- Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH)
- Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace – Regional Development Fund
- Municipality of Lagadas
- Municipality of Delta
- Municipality of Oreokastro
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – Research Committee
Organisation
i-BEC consists of three distinct but interacting sectors. As a non-profit civic organisation equivalent to the public sector, it delivers services for sustainable management and protection of natural resources.
Administration & Finance
Administrative operations, financial management and organisational support.
Strategic Planning
Strategic partnerships, international relations and development planning.
Research & Innovation
Scientific research, technology applications and Earth Observation services.
Timeline
- 2006
AUTh initiative
Activity begins on the initiative of AUTh, under the scientific guidance of Em. Prof. G. Zalidis.
- 2007
Foundation
Establishment of i-BEC as a non-profit civil company, under INTERREG III.
- 2010+
Infrastructure
Chemical laboratory and monitoring network operational.
- 2015+
Copernicus & GEO
Active participation in European and global EO programmes.
- 2017
International Presence
Expansion of public and private partnerships in Greece and abroad.
- 2020+
BalkanGEOSS
Regional coordination of Earth Observation initiatives.