The approach involved evaluating each current RDP measure using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) coupled with an Adaptive Capacity Impact Assessment, to provide an evaluation in relation to mitigation, adaptation, productivity and practicality. This also involved using GIS techniques to identify Regional Variation Categories across Europe in relation to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the development of marginal abatement cost curves and marginal adaptation cost curves for RDP measures, so as to provide an overview of the costs and benefits of each measure. This information was used to develop an RDP manual and checklist to facilitate the optimisation of national rural development programmes to support the delivery of climate policy objectives.