News

Race for the cure 2026

From Thursday, May 7 to Sunday, May 10, 2026, Rome will once again host the largest event dedicated to the prevention and fight against breast cancer: the Race for the Cure, organized by Susan G. Komen Italia.

The event, which will take place at the Circus Maximus, will feature four full days of activities and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting health and well-being.

During the same days, the Health Village will be open, offering free preventive screenings and workshops to encourage healthy lifestyles.

Soil Health by 2050: Strategic and Practical Implications of the European Soil Monitoring Directive

The conference aims to explore the strategic and operational implications of the European Soil Monitoring Directive, with a view to achieving the “healthy soils” objective by 2050. Particular attention will be given to measurement systems and soil health indicators, as well as their integration with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the European CRCF Regulation on carbon credits.

The event will also examine the role of public research and environmental agencies, presenting regional experiences and case studies aimed at promoting innovation transfer and technical-professional advisory services.

Stories in Stone: A Geological Journey Through the Basilicas of Rome

As part of the Festival of Science di Rome, ISPRA is organizing, on April 18, the geological walk “Stories in Stone: A Geological Journey Through the Basilicas of Rome.”

Rebuilt after the devastating fire of 1823, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls represents an important example of the restoration of early Christian architecture, while preserving its connection to its ancient origins. One of the building’s distinctive features is the extensive use of ornamental stones sourced from various areas of the Mediterranean.

The guided tour will offer participants the opportunity to closely observe these lithological varieties, appreciating not only their quality and aesthetic value, but also their historical significance—providing a unique chance to discover how architectural beauty intertwines with history and geology.

ISIA Roma Design Academic Year Inauguration

ISIA Roma Design officially inaugurated the 2025-2026 academic year today with a morning of meetings and discussions between institutions, professionals, and the academic community, held in the Sala Dante of the Istituto Centrale per la Grafica in Rome.

At the heart of the initiative is a clear vision: design as a tool for interpreting the present and building the future.

"Today we face a great challenge: designing for sustainability. It's not enough to measure, monitor, and analyze—though fundamental—we also need to design solutions. Design becomes central: it guides behaviors, makes sustainable choices accessible, and translates complexity into concrete solutions," said ISPRA President Maria Alessandra Gallone, speaking at the inauguration.

49th Session of the Scientific Groups of the London Convention and 20th Session of the Scientific Groups of the London Protocol

The 49th joint session of the Scientific Groups of the London Convention and the 20th session of the Scientific Groups of the London Protocol took place at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization in London from March 2 to 6, 2026. The session was chaired by Cristian Mugnai in his role as Chair, and was attended by experts from ISPRA both in person and remotely.

ISPRA in the Villaggio per la Terra

ISPRA in the Festival Impatta Disrupt

Invisible to the eye, but not to science: the pygmy sperm whale leaves its mark in the Mediterranean

Revealed by traces of DNA suspended in water

A discovery from the European project LIFE-CONCEPTU MARIS, led by ISPRA

New technologies are revolutionizing marine biology; an unexpected discovery is reshaping our understanding of biodiversity in the Mediterranean Sea. The pygmy sperm whale, or Blainville’s dwarf sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), previously believed to be absent from these waters, has been identified thanks to the analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA)—the collection of genetic traces that organisms leave behind in their environment.

No direct sightings, no underwater footage: the presence of this elusive cetacean has emerged through genetic traces released into the marine environment and collected in simple water samples. This innovative technique opens new perspectives for studying and monitoring hard-to-observe species and confirms the potential of “molecular investigation” as a key tool for exploring still poorly known ecosystems and updating species distribution in the Mediterranean.

The surprising discovery was made by researchers from the University of Milano-Bicocca, in collaboration with ISPRA, the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, and the University of Valencia. They worked within the European project LIFE-CONCEPTU MARIS, led by ISPRA and recently concluded, whose goal was to monitor cetaceans and sea turtles in the Mediterranean using commercial ferries as platforms for data and sample collection.

Profile of an elusive cetacean
The pygmy sperm whale reaches about 3–3.5 meters in length, inhabits tropical and warm temperate seas, and feeds mainly on squid, which it locates using sophisticated biosonar. Extremely rare to observe in the open sea, it is likely more widespread than it appears: it simply spends most of its life far from the coast and out of human sight.

To detect it, researchers collected seawater samples from commercial ferries in transit. In total, 12 liters of water were collected at each of the 393 sampling points across the central-western Mediterranean.

The water, immediately filtered on board, allowed scientists to capture all suspended biological material containing DNA fragments. In the laboratory, using advanced sequencing techniques, the surprising discovery was made: pygmy sperm whale DNA was found in 10 different samples, corresponding to at least 5 independent presence events. These traces were distributed across a vast area stretching from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Strait of Gibraltar.

On the wings of conservation: satellite monitoring of Isidoro for the future of the Golden Eagle

Within the framework of the LIFE Abilas project on the reintroduction of the Bonelli’s Eagle in Sardinia, ISPRA is conducting research on the ecological interaction between the Golden Eagle and the Bonelli’s Eagle in the Mediterranean. The aim is to identify possible differences in dispersal strategies, spatial distribution, and potential overlap areas between the two species, in order to develop the most effective conservation strategies.

In Sicily, where a thriving population of Bonelli’s Eagle is present, on July 15, 2025, the first Golden Eagle chick, Isidoro, was tagged (equipped with a GSM/GPS satellite transmitter) at a historic site within the Parco regionale dei Nebrodi. Continuously monitored thanks to a webcam providing real-time images, on August 18, 2025, at around 1:00 PM, it left the nest.

A delegation from Montenegro in ISPRA for a TAIEX Study Visit (24-26 March 2026)

A three-day study visit concluded on March 26 for a delegation from Montenegro composed of officials and environmental inspectors from the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Region Development of Montenegro, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency.

The meeting was organized within the framework of the European Commission's TAIEX technical assistance financing instrument. The focus of Montenegro's study visit is on issues related to the Environmental Liability Directive (ELD) and the prevention and remediation of environmental damage, with particular emphasis on inspection activities and relevant Italian experiences.

The new Environmental Governance lessons are coming

The data ecosystem in rural tourism

Sources, methods, and tools for understanding the territory

ISPRA is taking part in the webinar series on rural tourism promoted by CREA Policies and Bioeconomy, within the framework of the CAP Network activities. The initiative, focused on the “data ecosystem in rural tourism,” aims to strengthen the use of statistical sources, big data, and indicators to improve knowledge of territories and to support sustainability-oriented policies.

Second-level Master’s degree in “Environmental Impact Assessment in marine, coastal, and terrestrial areas

In response to strong regional demand for the proper management of projects and infrastructure, the University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara (Department of Science), in exclusive collaboration with ISPRA, launches a program of excellence aimed at training professionals capable of designing and assessing environmental impact studies, with a strongly interdisciplinary and hands-on approach.

PNNR MER: Seamounts and deep species

In the depths of the Mediterranean Sea, at over 2,000 meters below the surface, seamounts reveal a world that until recently we were unable to see. Thanks to a Work Class ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle)—used as part of the PNRR MER project—a true “robotic vehicle,” research by ISPRA is able to enter these environments and closely observe the species that inhabit them: fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and cartilaginous fish.

In extreme conditions, life finds surprising solutions, such as large eyes, wide mouths, large body sizes, or long fins used like a tripod, creating shapes and behaviors that tell the story of the strength of these mysterious ecosystems.

Hydrogeological Map of Italy at the 1:500,000 Scale (CII500K)

On the occasion of World Water Day, ISPRA highlights the strategic role of hydrogeological knowledge in the protection and sustainable management of water resources.

In Italy, more than 80% of the water intended for human consumption comes from groundwater. This figure underscores the importance of having reliable knowledge tools to understand, manage, and protect a resource that is fundamental for the country.

The Hydrogeological Map of Italy at the 1:500,000 scale (CII500K) represents a national-scale synthesis product aimed at describing the main hydrogeological complexes and the dynamics of groundwater. The map provides an organic and homogeneous overview of the territory, useful for analyzing available resources at the national level.

In 2025, water resources declined compared to 2024. ISPRA monitors and updates their evolution

Precipitation and water availability data

In 2025, total precipitation in Italy amounted to 963.4 mm (approximately 291 billion m³), a decrease of about 9% compared to 2024, which was a particularly rainy year. However, 2025 shows a slight increase of 2% compared to the average annual precipitation for the 1991–2020 period, the most recent climatological 30-year period, which amounts to about 285 billion m³.

In 2025, renewable water resources—defined as precipitation minus losses due to evapotranspiration—were estimated at around 128 billion m³. This represents a decrease compared to historical averages: more than 7% lower than the long-term annual average (about 138 billion m³), 4% lower than the average of the most recent climatological 30-year period, and approximately 19% lower than in 2024.

The current update of the hydrological balance therefore continues to confirm the negative trend observed from 1951 to the present, particularly with regard to the availability of renewable water resources at the national level.

This, in summary, is the overall picture emerging from the assessments produced by ISPRA through the BIGBANG model, which provides estimates of the components of the national hydrological balance, the quantitative framework of water resources, and, more generally, the hydrological situation in 2025, by analyzing trends and deviations from the long-term average values for the period 1951–2025 and the climatological 30-year period 1991–2020.

The detailed assessment will be presented on March 24 during the workshop “Hydrological balance and water resource availability: 2025 update, seasonal forecasts and climate projections” organized by ISPRA on the occasion of World Water Day

Acting at the Local Level for Climate Change Adaptation

The meeting represents an opportunity for discussion among institutions, local authorities, and experts on actions and strategies for climate change adaptation at the local level.

Francesca Giordano, an ISPRA researcher, will take part in the conference with a presentation titled “Adaptation projects of cities participating in the pilot programme funded by MASE

Beyond drought crises: building proactive risk management in the northern Mediterranean

On March 23, the Global Water Partnership and the UNCCD Community of Learning and Practice (CLP) for Northern Mediterranean countries organized a webinar titled “Beyond drought crises: building proactive risk management in the northern Mediterranean.”

Changing precipitation patterns and rising temperatures are accelerating the transition from meteorological drought to agricultural and hydrological drought, placing significant pressure on water resources, agriculture, ecosystems, and energy systems. Because drought develops slowly and its impacts are often difficult to detect early, responses are frequently delayed and reactive in nature

The City Nature Challenge 2026 is back

ISPRA’s participation

From April 24 to 27, 2026, the City Nature Challenge (CNC) returns—an international event that invites citizens to observe and document plants and animals in urban areas, contributing to the collection of data useful for scientific research and the management of urban biodiversity.

The CNC combines the practicality of technology with the beauty of nature: thanks to the digital platform  iNaturalist,, which can be downloaded for free on computers or smartphones, users can record the GPS coordinates of their sightings and identify the observed animal or plant species by uploading a photograph.

Each year, participating cities compete to record the highest number of nature observations: citizens can contribute independently or by taking part in the various local initiatives organized in participating cities.

Estimate of the Marsican brown bear population: second phase of genetic monitoring completed

At the beginning of March, the second meeting on the genetic monitoring of the Marsican brown bear was held in Rome, with strong institutional participation. The meeting was part of the PNRR DigitAP Project, coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security with technical support from ISPRA.

Around one hundred participants—including representatives from Regions, National Parks, public bodies, the Carabinieri Forestali, associations, and universities involved in the project dedicated to estimating the Apennine population of the Marsican brown bear—took part in the second update meeting on the results of genetic analyses, which conclude “phase two” of the project.

Online the Report "The climate in the italian regional capital"

The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the recent climatic regime of regional capital cities over the latest reference climatological period (1991–2020). The analysis also includes long‑term trends and variability in air temperature and a set of climate‑extreme indices. These elements constitute fundamental baseline information for quantifying sectoral impacts and evaluating system-level vulnerabilities, so to support the development of robust, evidence‑based adaptation strategies aimed at enhancing urban climate resilience under ongoing and projected climate‑change conditions.

Public Consultation on the “Guidelines for the Preparation of the Environmental Monitoring Plan for Projects Subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Procedure”

Public Consultation on the “Guidelines for the Preparation of the Environmental Monitoring Plan for Projects Subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Procedure”

Start of consultation: 13 March 2026
Deadline for submission of contributions: 13 April 2026

Law No. 132/2016, which established the National System for Environmental Protection (SNPA), identifies among its institutional functions the monitoring of environmental effects associated with the implementation of infrastructure projects of national and local interest.

For the implementation of the projects listed in Part II of Legislative Decree 152/2006 and subsequent amendments, project proposals must undergo an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure through the preparation of an Environmental Impact Study (EIS). This study includes the Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP) for the potentially significant and negative environmental impacts deriving from the construction and operation of the project.

In accordance with Article 28 of Legislative D

Winter School "Green blue spaces for urban and planetary health"

ARPA Emilia-Romagna, in collaboration with Fondazione Flaminia and Alma Tu, is promoting the "Green & Blue Space for Urban and Planetary Health" course from March 16 to 30, 2026. Participation is free and online, for a total of 30 hours.
Topics covered include: Urban and Planetary Health, Pollution, Climate Change, and Vulnerability, Green and Blue Areas as Nature-Based Solutions, "Allying" Plants and Problematic Species, Co-benefits for Mental Health, Aging, and Chronic Diseases, and Participatory Design for Healthy and Resilient Cities.

Inauguration of the Newly Appointed President of the Ecolabel and Ecoaudit Committee

On 23 February, Prof. Armando Masucci was officially appointed President of the Ecolabel and Ecoaudit Committee by decree of the Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Hon. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, in agreement with the Minister for Enterprises and Made in Italy, Sen. Adolfo Urso.

The Communicating Brain: The Secret of Connections

The Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS is taking part in Brain Awareness Week, the international event promoted by the DANA Foundation. From 16 to 21 March, a series of free meetings open to the public will be held to help people learn how to take care of our most important organ.

Among the initiatives organized, on Saturday, 21 March, in Rome, at the European Brain Research Centre, the conference “The Communicating Brain: The Secret of Connections” will take place. The event is organized by the Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS in collaboration with ISPRA and SPERA

Fifth Appointment of “Voce all’Ambiente”

International Cooperation to Protect the Mare Nostrum: the Role of the INFO/RAC Centre — Interview with Lorenza Babbini, ISPRA Researcher

The Mediterranean Sea is relatively small when compared with the world’s oceans. Yet its shores are bordered by three continents: Europe, Africa and Asia. For millennia it has been a meeting point of cultures, peoples and economies—and above all a place of extraordinary biodiversity.

For this very reason, its protection requires complex environmental governance and strong cooperation among countries. We discuss these issues with Lorenza Babbini, Director of the Regional Activity Centre for Information and Communication – INFO/RAC, hosted by ISPRA

From Emergency to Prevention: Territorial Safety as a National Mission

The Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry on Hydrogeological and Seismic Risk in the Italian Territory is organizing the conference “From Emergency to Prevention: Territorial Safety as a National Mission” on 12 March.

During the panel “Fragile Italy: Data, Knowledge and New Monitoring Tools. Vulnerability, Interventions and Prevention,” ISPRA President Maria Alessandra Gallone will speak.

Geopolitics and Rare Earths. Politics, Economics and Finance Reflect on the Future: Between Risks and Opportuniti

On Tuesday, 17 March 2026, the conference “Geopolitics and Rare Earths. Politics, Economics and Finance Reflect on the Future: Between Risks and Opportunities” will take place in Milan, at the Auditorium Giorgio Squinzi of Assolombarda. The event will examine the topic from multiple perspectives: political and international relations, economic and diplomatic dynamics, industrial production, investments and financial markets, with the aim of formulating appeals and proposals addressed to the government and institutions.

Water Resources and Resilience: Towards the Fourth Water Management Cycle

The conference "Water Resources and Resilience. Towards the Fourth Cycle of Water Management," sponsored by the Ministry and ISPRA, will be held at MASE on Friday, March 13. In a rapidly evolving climate, the conference focuses on water resource governance as a strategic priority for environmental protection and sustainable development, looking ahead to the fourth planning cycle in the sector.

The New Structural Map of the Italian Seas Is Now Online

A fundamental tool for deepening knowledge of our country’s seabed, the result of years of joint work between public research institutions and Italian universities

Providing an integrated representation of the main tectonic units and geological structures present in the Italian seas—from abyssal depths to submerged ridges—offering an updated and comprehensive picture of the geological framework of submerged areas: this is the objective of the new Structural Map of the Italian Seas, now available online, a key tool for understanding the geological structures that characterize the seabed of our country. The map was produced by the Department for the Geological Survey of Italy of the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), in collaboration with the Institute of Marine Sciences of the National Research Council (CNR-ISMAR), the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), the National Institute of Oceanography and Applied Geophysics (OGS), and the Universities of Genoa, Palermo, Roma Tre, and Trieste. The map is the result of years of joint research carried out by public research institutions and Italian universities.