Events and News

Publication of RETICULA n. 38/2025

The number 38 of RETICULA technical journal is now available online.

This issue's Editorial reflects on one of the necessary measures to combat invasive alien species (IAS), namely the early notification of the competent authorities of the appearance of a new IAS and its rapid removal. The articles give an update on the activities of pollinator monitoring in the Vesuvius area, with the double function of promoting biodiversity and contributing to public awareness; on the results of the LIFE Perdix project, whose main objective was the reintroduction of the Italian Partridge (Perdix perdix italica) in the Valle del Mezzano. The experience of the Bruschera marshes within the BioBlitz Lombardia programme as an opportunity for citizens to approach the world of natural sciences and biodiversity.

As usual, the News section contains many useful information reported by users of the journal and by the Editorial Board

World Migratory Bird Day 2025

Saturday, May 10 is World Migratory Bird Day, which this year highlights the relationship between migratory birds and insects in an alarming decline for both. The theme chosen for 2025 is “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities” to highlight the importance of creating safe and sustainable environments for migratory birds to thrive.

These days, on our beaches, it is possible to observe the Kentish Plover again, a small wader that is dedicating itself to nesting. The General Command of the Carabinieri, the ringers and the local associations adhering to the National Committee for the Conservation of the Kentish Plover, have resumed nest monitoring and ringing activities, in compliance with the Birds Directive and the AEWA Agreement on migratory water birds. ISPRA coordinates the ringing project with colored rings visible from a distance and has drawn up the Protocol for the collection of data on the nesting population.

Birds and Infrastructure: mitigating Impacts

Large infrastructures such as wind farms and airports have a significant impact on biodiversity and the environment. In the design of such facilities, it is often overlooked that wind and air are a resource shared by birds. Wind turbines in areas frequented by migratory birds or local species, or aircraft turbines can cause collisions, generating "conflicts" between birds and facilities that are difficult to resolve. During the seminar, experiences and case studies will be discussed, exploring methods to assess and reduce the risk of collisions, sharing planning approaches with institutions and energy producers.

The value (not only environmental) of biodiversity

During the second stage of the Sustainable Development Festival, at the Palazzo Ducale in Genoa, ASviS organizes a debate between high-profile experts, representatives of institutions and stakeholders, on the centrality of biodiversity, not only in an environmental, but also economic and social perspective. Biodiversity, in fact, represents not only a heritage to be protected, as provided for by the Italian Constitution after the 2022 reform promoted by ASviS, but also a strategic resource for the economy and society.

Biodiversa 2025. Italy's parks tell their story

A trip in the Geoparks

An event that celebrates the beauty and value of Italian geodiversity, promoted by the Alta Murgia National Park Authority.
“The Journey to Geoparks” is the title of this second edition: between landscapes sculpted by time, biodiversity and ancient traditions, Biodiversa will take us on a journey through the history of the Earth, to discover wonderful places and the excellences they preserve. Three days of meetings, exhibitions, workshops and tastings to discover Italian Geoparks as places of protection, environmental education and sustainable development of local communities.

A Plan for the Restoration of Nature

Following the entry into force of the Nature Restoration Law, Member States must develop a National Restoration Plan by September 2026. This document is of fundamental importance for the successful implementation of the Regulation. In order to understand the current situation at European level and how this plan will be built and governed at Italian level, Lipu and WWF Italy are organizing a meeting with the major European and National institutions that will intervene to outline an initial updated framework and future actions.

Far Festival 2025

From 8 to 11 May, the first edition of FarFEST will be held at the Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Regional Nature Reserve: 4 days dedicated to ecology, sustainability and biodiversity in the Nazzano Tevere Farfa Reserve.

At Rainews' Futuro24 the Presidential Estate of Castelporziano and the activities of ISPRA

The Presidential Estate of Castelporziano is a natural area that extends for 6000 hectares, reaching the coastline, and is just a few kilometers from the center of Rome. It is a unique territory, covered for a third by one of the few remaining examples of mixed lowland forest. The area is home to many animal species, representing a stopping point for many bird species. There is also a complex community of wild ungulates: roe deer, wild boar, fallow deer and red deer.

Monk Seal: Two Sightings in a Few Days

Over the past week, the monk seal, one of the species most at risk of extinction and strictly protected under the Habitats Directive, has been sighted in the waters between the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area and the Site of Community Interest of the Island of Capri.

ISPRA and the AMP Punta Campanella have started a collaboration to monitor their presence through non-invasive techniques, starting with environmental DNA analysis. The main cause of the reduction in the monk seal population is attributed to voluntary killing by humans and accidental capture with some fishing gear. But also to the repeated disturbance due to excessive human proximity to the places where they rest or where they reproduce and care for their young along the coast, which pushes the animals to abandon the most suitable sites. Understanding which sites they frequent most is of crucial importance to implement conservation actions and ensure the survival of the species.

EVENT CANCELLED! Discovering the residual vegetation of a Mediterranean forest in the heart of Rome! Citizen Science activities

The National Biodiversity Network of ISPRA is also this year a partner of the National Academy of Sciences known as the XL, the body that coordinates the initiatives of the territory of the Metropolitan City of Rome. On April 26, the Network promotes a Citizen Science activity at the Pineto Regional Urban Park that will lead participants to discover the residual vegetation of a Mediterranean forest in the heart of Rome. Participants will be accompanied by researchers from the Institute along a path of about 3 km during which the topics related to the importance of land management and the Natura 2000 Network, lichens as bioindicators and bioaccumulators for monitoring air quality will be discussed. The endemic species present along the path will be described up to the description of the residual vegetation typical of the Mediterranean environment and the species of avifauna present in the visited territory will be "listened to".

FLORACULT 2025

FLORACULT returns for its fourteenth edition from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 April 2025.
The 2025 FLORACULT program includes workshops, installations, cultural and recreational experiences, meetings with internationally renowned researchers and artists, to delve into the most important issues related to the world of gardens, nature and the environment.
The theme of this edition is "cultivating wonder", an invitation to rediscover the beauty of nature and its inexhaustible ability to amaze us.
Also for this edition, ISPRA, the scientific partner of the event, will participate in FloraCult.

#ObiettivoNatura:a shot to tell biodiversity!

The new photography column #ObiettivoNatura is starting on our Instagram profile @ispra_ambiente, an initiative designed to tell the story of the relationship between humans and the environment through the community's shots.

Every month will be proposed a different theme, to explore - with the watchful eye of photography - biodiversity and its many expressions, even in the most unexpected contexts.

The goal is to stimulate a conscious look at what surrounds us and enhance the bond with nature, in all its forms.

Participating is simple: go to our Instagram profile @ispra_ambiente, search for the post with the theme of the month and send us your photos via direct message.

The most beautiful images will be republished on our social channels.

Visit our profile Instagram

Project APINCITTA'

The APINCITTA’ biomonitoring project uses the Apis mellifera (honey bee) as an environmental indicator.

Promoted, financed and coordinated by the Carabinieri Forestry, Environmental and Agri-food Unit Command (CUFA), it sees the presence of ISPRA, other national institutions (Istituto Superiore di Sanità, CREA and IZSLT and the Italian Beekeeping Federation association.

Started in 2023, the deadline is scheduled for 2026. The project includes 60 apiaries, distributed across the national territory and located mainly at the headquarters and facilities of the forestry carabinieri.

Aliens, Biodiversity, Sustainability

One of the biggest emergencies of recent years is the invasion of alien species that, as a result of globalization, enter new regions and ecosystems, upsetting the balance of the native species present, sometimes even replacing them. All this leads to a potential imbalance of the invaded ecosystem and to its potential degradation.

ISPRA’s ‘Nautilus’ Discovers Coral Forests Among the Submerged Mountains of the Mediterranean

The images returned by the ROV revealed breathtaking scenarios: extensive colonies of red coral (Corallium rubrum) up to 900 meters deep, dense forests of pen corals (Funiculina quadrangularis) between 100 and 140 meters, and a surprising benthic biodiversity, with the presence of black corals (Antipathes dichotoma, Leiopathes glaberrima), white corals (Madrepora oculata, Desmophyllum pertusum), sponges and banks of oysters and giant barnacles.

The big paradox: killing some Animals to save others

In recent decades, our relationship with animals has changed a lot. From a utilitarian attitude, we have developed a more empathetic bond, both with domestic and wild animals. This change, together with the cultural, emotional and cognitive factors that influence our way of seeing death, affects our judgment on interventions that involve the suppression of animals, even when the intent is to protect the species, as in the case of invasive species that threaten native ones.

II° National conference Citizen Science

Three days of presentations on the new horizons of Citizen Science in Italy, which will culminate in the “Citizen Science Day”, a participatory event open to all citizens.

The conference is made up of initiatives aimed at both specialists in the sector and the general public and will end with a final event, open to all with free admission. During the Citizen Science Day there will be moments of in-depth study, practical exercises, performances, activities to be carried out in the city on the themes connected to participatory science.

Comparison on the implementation of the National Guidelines for the conservation of Mediterranean trout and its habitat

On April 8, a meeting planned by the LIFE STREAMS Project will take place at the “Catasta Pollino” Center in Morano Calabro (CS), in the Pollino National Park Authority, to verify the implementation of the Guidelines for the conservation of Mediterranean trout and its habitat (Action C.5 – ISPRA Manuals and Guidelines 207/2024), in person or online.

ISPRA participation in Science Festival of Rome

From 8 to 13 April 2025, the Rome Science Festival returns to the Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone with its 20th edition.
Bodies is the theme of this edition.

When we talk about bodies, our first thought goes to human bodies, with their features, shapes and functions. Bodies that, through changes and adaptations, are the result of a long biological and cultural evolution. Which in turn has also influenced the perception of the body itself, which changes depending on society and historical periods, and constitutes the foundation of social interactions and cultural dynamics, since it determines what is considered attractive or acceptable

Life Conceptu Maris and A Ship of Books for Barcelona

On April 5, the scientists of the Life Conceptu Maris project will depart from Civitavecchia for Barcelona. This time, in addition to the usual monitoring of cetaceans and turtles, there will also be moments of scientific dissemination on board. The occasion is the event La Nave dei Libri (The Ship of Books), which brings readers and writers on board, bringing them together. During the crossing on April 6, the Italian students on board and the five European school delegations of the Erasmus+ "Desibook" project from Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey will have the opportunity to meet the researchers on the passenger deck and learn how to spot dolphins, whales and sea turtles, directly overlooking the sea.

Montagu’s harrier in Maremma

Results of the first year of the Project by the working group "Montagu’s harrier".
The Museum of Natural History of Maremma is organizing next 4 April a meeting to present the results of the first year of study on Montagu’s harrier (Cyrcus pygargus).
ISPRA researchers will participate at the event.

National conference "Protected Areas & Conservation”

As indicated by the United Nations in the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by 2030 we will have to effectively conserve at least 30% of the Planet, both on land and at sea, in addition to restoring degraded habitats and reducing human pressure on nature.

The challenge of creating new ecologically connected protected areas and managing them effectively has therefore begun and can only pass through sharing the most advanced data on the distribution of biodiversity and the most effective ways to conserve and restore it.

In this context, the National Conference “Protected Areas & Conservation” was born, with the aim of creating an exchange of knowledge and best practices on the conservation of biodiversity inside and outside protected areas to contribute at an Italian level to the objectives of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

City Nature Challenge 2025, ISPRA promotes Citizen Science activities in Rome

The 2025 edition of the City Nature Challenge (CNC) will be held from 25 to 28 April, an international competition between citizens of hundreds of cities around the world to document biodiversity and spread the culture of environmental protection.

In this context, ISPRA is promoting two Citizen Science activities in Rome.

Manual for the application of Appropriate Assessment procedures in marine sites

ISPRA as part of the activities included in the project LIFE SEA.NET “Urgent actions for the implementation of marine Natura 2000 Network”  has carried out the "Manual for the application of Appropriate Assessment procedures in marine sites", which illustrates the results of one of the research actions of the project, coordinated by Legambiente. The document provides technical indications to support the writers of the Impact Assessments, the evaluators and the management bodies of the Natura 2000 sites, proposing methodologies for characterization, impact assessment and identification of specific mitigation and compensation measures for marine-coastal habitats and for marine species of community interest potentially affected by the construction of works and interventions at sea.

Restoring nature in an intergenerational perspective: a dialogue between disciplines

On Thursday 27 March, LUMSA University is organizing the seminar "Restoring nature in an intergenerational perspective: a dialogue between disciplines" created for the PRIN Call 2022 PNRR "Restoring Nature for the Children of Italy" - RINASCI.

Prevention of the risk of electrocution of avifauna

The event, organized within the LIFE MILVUS project, analyzes the impact that electrocution determines on the conservation of threatened species, will present virtuous experiences developed in Italy and other European countries to mitigate the phenomenon and will be an opportunity to discuss possible measures to be adopted to intensify the efforts of knowledge and prevention in Italy.

Women Agriculture Sustainability

The conference, organized by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Waste Cycle of the Municipality of Rome and Noi Rete Donne, will be held on March 25 in the Protomoteca Capitolina hall. The conference will be attended by the General Director of ISPRA, Maria Siclari.

International Day of Forests 2025

The International Day of Forests is celebrated every 21 March and represents a fundamental moment to reflect on the importance of forests for our planet. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, the day aims to highlight the fundamental role that forests play not only in the provision of wood and non-wood products (berries, mushrooms, resins, etc.), but also in the provision of ecosystem services such as erosion control, biodiversity conservation, climate regulation and in providing livelihoods to hundreds of millions of people.
The theme of the 2025 is "Forests and Food", that highlights the crucial role of forests in food security and nutrition.
In addition to providing food, fuel, income and employment, forests support soil fertility, protect water resources and provide habitats for biodiversity. They are essential to the survival of forest-dependent communities, particularly indigenous peoples, and help mitigate climate change by storing carbon.

Science and Faith for the care of the Common Home

Inspired by the universal message of the Canticle of Creatures, the event, organized by the Courtyard of San Francesco with the scientific direction of Arpa Umbria and Safa, aims to explore the dialogue between science and faith as a fundamental tool for addressing the global challenges linked to climate change, the protection of biodiversity and the responsible management of natural resources.

Through a constructive discussion between scientific experts, institutional representatives and figures from the business world, the initiative aims to promote a shared and multidisciplinary approach, capable of combining scientific knowledge and ethical vision for a more sustainable future.

Municipal green plans: tools to bring nature back into our lives?

Bringing nature back into our lives: this is what the European Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 says. And since the lives of millions and millions of citizens are concentrated in cities and in the increasingly anthropized contexts of our territories, it is from the cities that we must start again to reverse the trend of the progressive degradation of ecosystems, including urban ones.
The new publication "Urban nature Plans: tools to bring nature back into our lives? - produced and published by Urban Area section - It therefore starts from the cities to reflect on a planning tool that is still not very widespread in Italy - the Municipal Green Plan - with the aim of understanding its contents, strategies and transformative potential for healthier, more inclusive and resilient territories. Torino, Vercelli, Bolzano, Padova, Rovigo, Parma, Bologna, Forlì, Livorno, Avellino: these are the 10 Green Plans analyzed.

Representatives of MASE, ANCI and ICLEI have been invited to the webinar and the program includes technical insights and a session dedicated to Municipalities.

Program