> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://frameworks.greendealdata.eu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://frameworks.greendealdata.eu/01-introduction-to-the-green-deal-data-space-gdds.md). # Introduction to the Green Deal Data Space (GDDS) ## GDDS: The Data Space for a Sustainable Green Europe The Green Deal Data Space (GDDS) was initially proposed in the [European Strategy for Data (EUSD)](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52020DC0066) in 2020, one of over [20 data spaces](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/data-spaces) proposed at that time to be created as part of that strategy, and intended to enhance the accessibility, integration, and utilisation of green and environmental data across the European Union (EU) to support key pillars of the [European Green Deal (EGD).](https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en) SAGE is a project co-funded by the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) (Grant agreement Nº 101195471) to develop and deploy an initial version of the GDDS, supporting the use case development within the project and aligning with the applicable data space rules and standards defined over the project timeline (1 March 2025 to 28 February 2028). Since other data spaces are being deployed to address domains relevant to the EGD (energy, agriculture, mobility), the GDDS being created by SAGE will focus on a subset of the EGD, addressing Zero Pollution, Climate Adaptation, Biodiversity, and the Circular Economy Action Plan. {% hint style="info" %} *Throughout this document, "SAGE" refers both to the funded project and the over 40 partners in the SAGE consortium who are working together to execute the project.* {% endhint %} Building directly upon the[ ](https://www.greatproject.eu/)[GREAT project](https://www.greatproject.eu/) Community of Practice and results and aligning with the Digital Europe Programme's strategic focus on AI, cybersecurity, advanced computing, and data infrastructure, SAGE leverages outcomes from the EUSD as well as research facilitated by[ Horizon Europe](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en). The SAGE project's outcomes include seamlessly integrating fragmented environmental data through federation, enriching data with consistent quality, validation, and interoperable metadata, and enhancing capabilities for data transformation, processing, analysis, forecasting, target setting, and performance monitoring. Targeting businesses seeking compliance with EGD regulations, government bodies optimising environmental impact, citizens and citizen scientists engaging in environmental stewardship, and researchers aiming to deepen our ecological understanding, GDDS aspires to foster informed decision-making and policy formulation based on robust data and evidence. The sustainability of the Green Deal Data Space will be ensured by establishing a standalone legal entity to manage the data space and scale operations not only through the project's lifetime but also beyond. ## GDDS Mission, Vision, Values {% hint style="info" %} *This section has been developed by building on the original mission and vision defined in the GDDS GREAT project and further refined and agreed upon through co-creation sessions with SAGE consortium members.* {% endhint %} The mission and values described here are aligned with the approach taken by the ethical principles of the SAGE Project (WP1 - Ethics Requirements). Specifically, the mission reflects the GDDS objectives, mainly focused on sustainability, i.e, the goal of achieving the digital transition through a fair, transparent, and inclusive governance framework. “Scalability”, “Adaptability and Innovation”, and “Value Creation” transpose the theoretical findings set through “data-oriented” ethical principles in the “living” governance of the GDDS. The core values establish accountability, broad participation, and cross-collaboration among different sectors. By following this framework, the GDDS fosters a structured approach to legal, governance, and business frameworks by understanding their relationship rather than isolating them as individual components. The ethical principles outlined below allow for this integration. ### **Mission** To enable a trusted, interoperable, and sustainable \[SAGE Data Space] ecosystem that empowers all actors, within the Green Deal Data Space (GDDS) and beyond, to securely share and use environmental and sustainability data in support of the European Green Deal objectives. The Green Deal Data Space (GDDS) facilitates secure and governed data access, connects fragmented infrastructures, and improves the findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability (FAIRness) of the data available from the Data Space. It supports regulatory implementation, enables advanced use cases such as digital twins, and drives data-driven value creation, while ensuring transparent, inclusive, and adaptable governance that evolves alongside EU priorities. ### **Vision** A globally connected and self-sustaining Green Deal Data Space (GDDS) in which public authorities, organisations, research institutions, communities, and individuals easily share high-quality, FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) environmental data, while respecting the rights of data rights holders to manage how their data is accessed, by whom and why. In this vision, data-driven insights actively inform environmental action, accelerate circular economy growth, and enable cross-sector collaboration. The Green Deal Data Space (GDDS) operates as part of an interoperable ecosystem of data spaces that collectively support a fair, green, and digital transition in Europe and beyond. ### **Core Values** **Transparency and Accountability** \ GDDS ensures open, traceable decision-making processes, clear participation rules, and accountable governance aligned with European values to foster trust among all participants. **Inclusiveness and Openness** \ GDDS promotes broad participation across sectors, regions, and communities, respecting diversity and ensuring equitable access and representation. **Scalability and Sustainability** \ The governance and technical framework of GDDS evolves with its maturity, supporting scalable operations, viable business models, and long-term continuity. **Trust and Ethics** \ GDDS safeguards sensitive, personal, and commercial data, ensuring compliance with EU security, privacy, and “Do No Significant Harm” principles. **Adaptability and Innovation** \ GDDS embraces continuous learning and innovation, aligning with evolving EU priorities and integrating emerging technologies such as digital twins and AI. **FAIR & Sovereign Data Sharing** \ GDDS is committed to ensuring data is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable, while fully respecting data sovereignty and enabling ethical data use. **Collaboration & Value Creation** \ GDDS fosters cross-sector collaboration, interoperability with other data spaces, and the creation of downstream economic and societal value from data-driven services. *** ## GDDS: Stakeholders GDDS stakeholders encompass all entities that are involved in, contribute to, or are affected by the GDDS ecosystem. For clarity, stakeholders are grouped into internal and external stakeholders. ### Internal Stakeholders Internal stakeholders are organisations or individuals formally engaged in the GDDS and operating under the GDDS Rulebook and its governance, legal, and contractual framework. These include GDDS Participants and GDDS Governance bodies. A detailed description of these stakeholder categories, including their roles, responsibilities, and governance structures, is provided in the Governance Framework section of the Rulebook. ### External Stakeholder External stakeholders are organisations or groups that are not formally participating in the GDDS but may influence or be affected by its activities. These may include regulators, non-governmental organisations, sectoral actors, and end-user communities. External stakeholders are not bound by the GDDS Rulebook; however, their perspectives and potential impact shall be considered to ensure transparency, trust, and responsible governance. They may engage with the GDDS through mechanisms such as a Community of Practice or other consultation frameworks.