Events and News

International Mediterranean Sea Day

The Mediterranean is a sea of ​​wonders, history, culture and beauty to be protected and enhanced: a heritage that is celebrated on 8 July through an International Day. With the PNRR's MER (Marine Ecosystem Restoration) project, ISPRA is building a laboratory to map, restore and protect one of the richest - and most fragile - marine ecosystems on our planet with the aim of safeguarding its biodiversity and handing it over to future generations .
The mapping of coastal habitats is already being developed thanks to the LiDAR sensor, one of the pillars on which this program is based which intends to trace the seabed on 7,500 km of coast, surveying over 70 seamounts and investigating remote and unknown areas.
Another highlight: the new oceanographic vessel, the result of joint work carried out thanks to the precious collaboration with the Navy, which will be able to carry out monitoring activities in deep waters.
To support monitoring activities, ISPRA is building the Mobile Oceanographic Research Unit (UMRO), a sentinel van, to monitor the state of the sea, the field of surface currents and measurement of the depth of the coastal seabed.
The strengthening of sea level measuring stations in the lagoons of Venice and Marano Grado is also underway to predict extreme events and support coastal risk management.
All data collected will be accessible through an information platform, allowing mitigation measures to be planned to address the challenges posed by climate change in the Mediterranean Sea

XIII Italian Congress of Theriology

The Congress is an important opportunity for the exchange of experiences and knowledge on the biology, ecology and conservation of mammals in Italy, between researchers, students, sector experts and public administrators.

The Congress is organized by the Italian Theriological Association ETS in collaboration with the Biosciences and Territory Department of the University of Molise.

Sea Essence International Festival

Sea Essence International Festival, the international festival dedicated to the protection and valorization of the sea and its essence, will be held in Marciana Marina from 28 to 30 June.
This year's edition is dedicated to the theme of "Connections" in all its forms: cultural, environmental, economic and social.

The monk seal in the Tuscan Archipelago: past and present

As part of the "La natura al centro" Festival, a conference dedicated to the monk seal in the Tuscan Archipelago will be held on 27 June.
ISPRA researchers will illustrate the characteristics of this rare marine mammal, of which fewer than 700 specimens survive in the wild, which in recent years has returned to the waters of the Archipelago.

Understand and Monitoring Biodiversity in Emilia-Romagna

During the conference, the final results of the work conducted by six research institutes will be presented for the implementation of the regional long-term biodiversity monitoring plan through the COMBI Project (Understand and Monitoring BIodiversity in Emilia-Romagna) and to verify the state of health of regional biodiversity.

Biodiversa. The Italy of Parks tells its story

Biodiversa is a national event to celebrate the richness of Italian protected areas. From 21 to 23 June the Gravina in Puglia neighborhood will host a program of meetings, activities and experiences dedicated to nature and its valorization.
The event is promoted by the Alta Murgia National Park on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of its establishment (10 March 2004), organized in collaboration with Federparchi and with the support of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, ISPRA, the Region Puglia, Lazio Region and Municipality of Gravina. The event will also see the Forestry, Environmental and Agri-Food Unit Command of the Carabinieri and the General Command of the Port Authority Corps present in the exhibition area.

On 21 June, the ISPRA President, Stefano Laporta, is expected to participate in the session "Towards the States General of Protected Areas".

On 22 June, ISPRA researchers will participate in the round table "Parks and ISPRA: sharing actions and data to achieve the objectives of the 2030 biodiversity strategies".

Further information

Strategy for the marine environment. Public consultation 2024

On 14 June 2024, in implementation of the art. 16 of Legislative Decree 190/2010, the public consultation has been opened for the update of the Environmental Assessment, the definition of Good Environmental Status (GES) and the definition of the Environmental Goals (Targets) of the Marine Strategy Directive (Directive 2008 /56/EC) referred to in articles. 8, 9 and 10 of Legislative Decree 190/2010, for each of the 11 Descriptors of the Marine Strategy, prepared by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security with the technical-scientific support of ISPRA, as well involving other central and local Administrations represented in the Technical Committee referred to in article 5 of Legislative Decree 190/2010.

I° Blue Economy Forum

Towards the development of the marine economy that safeguards biodiversity

As part of the European Life Sea.Net project, the first Legambiente Blue Economy Forum will be held in Rome on 13 June.

The Blue Economy fuels the green transition in Europe thanks to the development of industries and sectors linked to the oceans, seas and coasts. Sustainable fishing, renewable energy, but also aquaculture and tourism contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal for an efficient and competitive economy that guarantees the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the protection of natural capital.

Dealing with complexity. From the conservation of large carnivores to the loss of biodiversity: exploring the tools for effective communication

Explore tools for effective communication

As part of the communication initiatives of the LIFE WolfAlps EU project, the project partners of the Lombardy Region and the Alpi Marittime protected areas are organizing an international workshop to be held in Milan on 12 June at Palazzo Lombardia, with the aim of improving our collective understanding and communication strategies related to large carnivores.

Biodiversity, green communities, animal protection

The conference is organized as part of the Administrative, Environmental and Public Health Law curriculum of the PhD in Public, Comparative and International Law.

World Oceans Day: Know, Understand, Coexist

On the occasion of World Oceans Day (WOD) the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology organizes the event "World Oceans Day: Knowing, Understanding, Living"

The event will take place in Palermo, Rome and Lerici and will have a science and art format to guide participants in an experience capable of sparking connections with the natural environment, allowing them to learn more about the ocean and understand how to actively contribute to its conservation.

Evolution of policies for the protection of biodiversity and innovation in business strategies

In recent years, research has highlighted the role of biodiversity and the protection of natural capital in generating fundamental functions for the well-being of ecosystems and people. According to the World Economic Forum (2023) almost 50% of the global economy is threatened by the loss of biodiversity and 79% of threatened species are endangered due to the impacts generated by economic activity.

33rd Plenary Meeting of the Network of the Heads of European Nature Conservation Agencies (ENCA)

The event will take place at the ‘Spazio Europa’, operated by the Office of the European Parliament in Italy and by the Representation in Italy of the European Commission.
The theme for the meeting in Rome will be to shed light on the roles and functions of the European nature conservation agencies in supporting governments in the sciencebased, effective and efficient implementation of the CBD Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the relevant nature restoration initiatives in Europe.

ISPRA documentary "House in the sand"

Do you know the Kentish Plover? Did you know that you might see it on the beach in the summer? Unfortunately, it is currently one of the most threatened coastal nesting species. Most breeding populations in Europe are declining, sometimes dramatically as in Italy, due to disturbance from human activities, predation by invasive species and habitat loss and degradation. The documentary "House in the sand" describes the monitoring and scientific research activities carried out by ISPRA, in collaboration with local ringers, the local branches of the National Committee for the Conservation of the Kentish Plover and the General Command of the Carabinieri.

The Forest City

The Carabinieri is organizing the international conference "The Forest City" in Rome on 29 and 30 May 2024, at the Auditorium of the National Library, with the aim of highlighting the important role of forests in the city, intended as a new approach method to promote urban and human regeneration.

European Parks Day

Parks and protected areas constitute a unique and precious heritage to experience and protect. Every year on 24 May, European Parks Day is celebrated and the initiative of the European Parks Federation (EUROPARC) is renewed to remember the day on which, in 1909, the first national park in Europe was established in Sweden. In Italy the first parks were created in 1922: the Gran Paradiso and the Abruzzo Park, which later became the Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park.

Agriculture, biodiversity and sustainable development: scenarios and virtuous paths

Over time, agricultural activity has determined the modification of natural ecosystems, transforming and reorganizing them into systems in which the balance between natural elements is different from the original one, precisely due to the impact of human activities on the environment. The 2030 Agenda through the SDGs promotes, in particular, a transformative change in economies and societies by promoting a new approach at a global level that better integrates the protection of biodiversity with government policies.

The role of National Parks in the protection and enhancement of natural ecosystems

On the occasion of the European Parks Day, the Gargano National Park organizes the conference "The role of National Parks in the protection and enhancement of natural ecosystems".

World Biodiversity Day 2024

May 22nd is World Biodiversity Day proclaimed by the United Nations to celebrate biodiversity on our planet.
“Be Part of the Plan” is the theme chosen in 2024 to celebrate this day, and is a call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by supporting the implementation of the Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework- Montreal.
This year's celebration of the International Day for Biodiversity will coincide with two meetings of the subsidiary bodies of the Convention on Biological Diversity which will both take place in Nairobi: the twenty-sixth meeting of the subsidiary body on scientific, technical and technological advice (SBSTTA, 13-18 May) and the fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI, 21-29 May).

World Bee Day 2024

Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world's wild flowering plant species depend entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world's food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. Pollinators are essential for conserving biodiversity.

In order to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the UN has designated 20 May  World Bee Day.

The goal is to strengthen measures to protect bees and other pollinators, which would significantly contribute to solving global food supply problems and eliminating hunger in developing countries.

"Bee engaged with youth" is the theme chosen for the 2024 Day. This theme highlights the importance of involving young people in beekeeping and pollinator conservation efforts, recognizing them as future custodians of our environment.

ISPRA pubblication concerning pollinators:

Plants and insect pollination: an alliance for biodiversity 

The decline of bees and pollinators. The answers to the most frequently asked questions

Bees and sustainable agriculture

Risks for biodiversity linked to the spread of invasive alien species and the role of the horticultural sector

The webinar, organized by Assofloro and Coldiretti in collaboration with ISPRA, addresses the issues of risks linked to the introduction and spread of invasive alien species and correct practices in the horticultural sector to limit-contain the risk.

Final conference project LIFE WolfAlps EU

The three-day event dedicated to the activities carried out in recent years by the staff of the LIFE WolfAlps Project and future prospects will be held in Trento.

May 17th and 18th will be dedicated to communicating the main results obtained during the project, but not only that: we will talk about lynx and golden jackal, management on a European scale, and coexistence with fauna in general.

The event will also be available on the Project's social channels.

The ISPRA/National Observatory for the Protection of the Sea convention has been signed to develop awareness activities related the Italian coasts and seas

The Director General of ISPRA Maria Siclari and the President of the National Observatory for the Protection of the Sea (ONTM APS) Roberto Minerdo have signed a Convention, lasting two years, with the aim of promoting technological research and raising awareness on theme of the defense of coasts, ecosystems and marine biodiversity, to enhance the Italian natural heritage and for the development of socioeconomic models in the New Blue Economy.

In particular, ISPRA as implementing body and within the PNRR MER - Marine Ecosystem Restoration Project, deals with the restoration and protection of the seabed and marine habitats, the integral mapping of the Italian coast, coastal habitats and deep habitats present in the seamounts of Italian marine waters, the strengthening of the observation networks of fixed monitoring stations, all this through the implementation of 37 overall interventions.

The Observatory is committed to disseminating, raising awareness and studying issues relating to New Blue Economy sectors, with particular reference to the areas of energy production (offshore wind and photovoltaic, geothermal energy...) and the development of coastal and cruise tourism and Green Defense for the implementation of the Nature Restoration Law in the community context.

The meeting of the subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity in Nairobi

Four ISPRA experts participate in the negotiations

15 months after the historic adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF for short) in December 2022 at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), attention is now focused on its actual implementation. Establishing a path towards achieving the 23 goals for 2030 and the four strategic goals for 2050 of the GBF is the only way to achieve the global vision of a world that, as the text of the CBD requires, «lives in harmony with nature" by 2050.

World Migration Bird Day 2024

Saturday 11 May is World Migratory Bird Day which this year puts the spotlight on the relationship between migratory birds and insects amid an alarming decline in both.

World Day is a global campaign that educates and promotes conservation efforts about migratory birds and their travels across borders. Each year the campaign features a central theme, spurs action and coordinates global efforts to safeguard migratory birds and their habitat.

Are the nature conservation actions developed in recent decades effective in halting the decline of biodiversity?

In a study published in Science, an analysis is carried out on nature conservation measures, highlighting how effective they have been in counteracting the loss of biodiversity.

How effective have the measures implemented in recent decades to combat the loss of biodiversity really been?

Canoe excursion in the Tevere river: where to find molluscs

As part of the City Nature Challenge 2024, the Italian Canoe Association (AICAN) proposes a canoe excursion in the stretch of the Tiber river between Monterotondo and Settebagni.
The initiative is aimed at monitoring molluscs in the Tiber river and is part of the activities of the participatory science project #teveremolluschifantastici...and where to find them coordinated by ISPRA.

G7 Climate, Energy and Environment: the Venaria Charter approved, from stopping coal to supporting renewables and Africa

The G7 Climate, Energy and Environment ministers met in Turin, in the Royal Palace of Venaria, from 28 to 30 April. At the end of the working sessions they adopted a Joint Declaration which gives a precise follow-up to the objectives agreed at COP 28 and sends a clear message to other countries, in particular the major economies, on the level of commitment needed to adequately respond to the challenge of change climate, in an ambitious and effective way.

Citizen science in the Aniene Valley Nature Reserve

As part of the City Nature Challenge, the international Citizen Science initiative which since 2016 allows citizens from all over the world to compete with each other to report the greatest number of data on biodiversity, the National Biodiversity Network is promoting a day of meeting between ISPRA experts and citizens at the Aniene Valley Nature Reserve.

City Nature Challenge 2024 – Take part in reporting the flora and fauna around you!

The City Nature Challenge (CNC) returns from 26 to 29 April 2024, the international citizen science initiative which since 2016 has allowed citizens from all over the world to compete amicably with each other to report the greatest number of data on biodiversity