News

Following the Drift: Ferry Observations Reveal Where Floating Litter Travels in the Mediterranean

Every day, ferries cross the Mediterranean, linking islands and coastlines. On board some of them, trained observers scan the sea surface and record every floating object larger than 20 cm. A new study published in Frontiers in Marine Science turns these sightings into a moving picture: where does this litter go after it has been seen, and which coasts is it most likely to reach?

An ISPRA Researcher Appointed to Lead the Scientific and Technical Body of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity

From 19 to 30 October 2026, the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was held in Yerevan, Armenia. The Italian delegation included ISPRA experts who have been actively involved for many years in activities related to the Conferences of the Parties to the CBD and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, providing technical and scientific support.

Don't Touch the Nomad Jellyfish!! A Particularly Nasty Stinging Alien Invading Our Seas

Sightings are on the rise, with Sicily under close observation

ISPRA calls on citizens, fishermen and marine professionals to help monitor the species

An increasingly common presence in Italian waters is the nomad jellyfish (Rhopilema nomadica), native to the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific region. It entered the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and is now the subject of a growing number of reports along the Italian coastline.

New Underwater Surveys of the SS Samuel J. Tilden Wreck in the Port of Bari

3D technologies and immersive 360° footage for the study and enhancement of underwater historical heritage and the marine environment

From 20 to 22 October 2026, a new underwater survey campaign was carried out on the wreck of the US vessel SS Samuel J. Tilden, which sank in the port of Bari in December 1943 during the Second World War.

Launch of the Participatory Process to Develop the Supporting Document for the National Pollinator Plan

On Thursday, 19 November, an important event organised as part of PolliNetwork, a LIFE project launched on 1 September 2025 for the conservation of pollinating insects, will take place in the ISPRA conference room. The project involves ISPRA and is being carried out in close cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE).

The event marks the launch of the participatory process entitled “Italian Initiative for Pollinators”, a three-year programme coordinated by ISPRA and aimed at jointly drafting the governance document that will underpin the formal development of the National Plan for Pollinator Conservation, as envisaged under Sub-Action B4.1.a of the National Biodiversity Strategy 2030.

The meeting will be held in person and will be open to stakeholders from the scientific, institutional, social and economic sectors, selected by ISPRA and the other project partners on the basis of their expertise and influence in the field of pollinating insect conservation at national level.

Restoring Nature, Conserving Biodiversity

On Tuesday, 10 November 2026, the Natura 2000 Network General Assembly will take place in Milan, focusing on the theme “Restoring Nature, Conserving Biodiversity”.

The event will provide an opportunity for discussion and exchange on nature restoration and biodiversity conservation, bringing together representatives from institutions, the scientific community, environmental organisations, businesses and local communities.

SEALIFE: International Workshop in Otranto to Protect the Mediterranean Monk Seal

On 12 November 2026, Otranto will host an international workshop dedicated to the protection of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), bringing together researchers, environmental institutions and marine conservation experts from Italy and Greece.

Organised by the Regional Natural Park Authority of Costa Otranto – Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase, in collaboration with ISPRA and ARPA Puglia, the workshop will begin at 9:15 a.m. as part of the SEALIFE project, co-funded by the Interreg VI-A Greece–Italy Programme 2021–2027.

ECO. The Science Shaping the Future

The new RTL 102.5 feature produced in collaboration with ISPRA

Starting Friday, 6 November, a new weekly feature produced in collaboration with ISPRA will be broadcast on RTL 102.5 every week at 7:45 a.m. It will focus on scientific information and outreach on topics such as the environment, sustainability, land protection and the ecological transition.

As part of Non Stop News, hosted by Barbara Sala, Massimo Lo Nigro and Ludovica Marafini, the feature “ECO. The Science Shaping the Future” will welcome a different expert each week, offering listeners opportunities to explore key issues in greater depth and providing them with the tools to better understand the transformations taking place on our planet, learn about the main environmental challenges and discover the role of scientific research in protecting ecosystems.

The first episode will feature Maria Alessandra Gallone, President of ISPRA, who is also coordinating the project together with the RTL 102.5 editorial team.

“ECO. The Science Shaping the Future” will be available on RTL 102.5 on radio and on radio-vision via digital terrestrial channel 36, as well as via live streaming on the RTL 102.5 Play platform.

New Bonelli’s Eagles have taken flight in the skies over Sardinia

New Bonelli’s Eagles have taken flight in the skies over Sardinia in recent days, giving fresh momentum to Life Abilas, the project in which ISPRA, together with its partners, is working to re-establish this bird of prey on the island.

Two adult eagles, Bogarre and Noria, arrived from Spain and were released upon arrival, along with five young birds born in 2026: Ocu, Orteddu, Orticu, Orvilu and Ovesa.

The ISPRA team is monitoring the birds’ movements through GPS tracking devices and has confirmed that they are all doing well and have adapted perfectly to Sardinia’s natural environment.

National Tree Day 2026

National Tree Day, established by the Ministry of the Environment and officially recognised under Article 1 of Law No. 10 of 14 January 2013, is celebrated throughout Italy every year on 21 November. Its aim is to promote the care and appreciation of trees and highlight the essential role played by forests and urban green spaces in our ecosystem.

Trees are not merely features of the landscape: they are true guardians of biodiversity. Every tree is a living ecosystem: from its canopy to its deadwood and roots, it provides shelter and nourishment for an extraordinary variety of organisms — from insects to bats, from birds to lichens and fungi. Ancient and monumental trees, with their microhabitats, are true reservoirs of often rare species. Meanwhile, forests, tree-lined avenues, hedgerows and urban trees form a network of ecological corridors, connecting natural environments and weaving the fabric of life into agricultural landscapes and cities alike. Protecting trees and their diversity means safeguarding the very foundations of life.

Monitoring Marine Protected Areas: Fifth Episode of the DigitAP Documentary Series to Premiere at Ecomondo 2026

The fifth episode of the documentary series dedicated to biodiversity monitoring, entitled “Monitoring Marine Protected Areas”, will be presented and screened for the first time at Ecomondo 2026, during the institutional event “The Role of National Parks and Marine Protected Areas in the National Restoration Plan”, organised by the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE). The event will focus on the monitoring plan and the digitalisation of protected areas.

SOS Pollinators: National Parks on the Front Line Against Their Decline

From November 5 to 7, 2026, Lake Sirino—located in the territory of Nemoli (Potenza)—will host NAIADI 2026, an initiative focused on environmental policies for inland areas. The event is promoted by the Appennino Lucano Val d'Agri Lagonegrese National Park, Ambiente Basilicata, and Federparchi.

On November 6, a conference titled "SOS Pollinators: National Parks on the Front Line Against Their Decline" will take place.

GeoSciences RISE project

The GeoSciences RISE project aims to enhance the GeoSciences IR research infrastructure—established under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and coordinated by ISPRA.

Funded by the 2021–2027 National Program for Research, Innovation, and Competitiveness for the Green and Digital Transition (PN RIC), the GeoSciences RISE project seeks to leverage existing scientific and technological assets, while strengthening the transfer of research results to businesses—with a particular focus on the regions of Southern Italy.

First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC)

The First International Conference (IC1) of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) will take place from 16 to 20 November 2026 in Geneva, at the International Conference Centre (CICG). Regional consultations and preparatory briefings are scheduled for Sunday 15 November.

"Protecting Blue Corridors”

ISPRA in International Research: Antarctic Orcas and the Global Map of Migration Corridors

Antarctica and the Global Network of Seas: ISPRA’s Contribution to the “Protecting Blue Corridors” Project

The Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) further strengthens its prominent role in the international scientific community through its participation in the global Protecting Blue Corridors initiative, a leading network bringing together experts in marine science, conservation, technology and environmental policy to map the migration routes of marine mammals worldwide.

Critical Raw Materials: ISPRA in Sydney for IMARC 2026. Mineral Exploration, Innovation and International Cooperation

ISPRA’s contribution to the international dialogue on critical raw materials, through cooperation with European geological surveys and institutional dialogue between Italy and Australia.

COP17: Italy Joins the Fungal Conservation Pledge

On 27 October 2026, Italy announced its commitment to the Fungal Conservation Pledge, an international initiative aimed at promoting the recognition and conservation of fungal diversity as part of biodiversity policies.

The announcement was made by Claudio Barbaro, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, during an event dedicated to the initiative, held on the sidelines of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Yerevan, Armenia.

Cooperation between Italy and Estonia on Climate Change, the Green Transition and Communication

COP31 of Antalya

The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) will take place in Antalya from 9 to 20 November 2026.

Since 1995, these annual summits have served as the leading global platform for negotiating and promoting collective action to combat climate change. COP31 represents a crucial milestone, as countries are called upon to strengthen their climate commitments and accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon future.

The Italian Pavilion, an initiative organised by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, marks its tenth official participation with 55 events and more than 150 organisations and stakeholders involved as promoters, co-organisers and partners.

General States of the Green Economy 2026

The General States of the Green Economy, the annual event dedicated to Italy’s green economy, are promoted by the Foundation for Sustainable Development in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, under the patronage of the European Commission and the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. They serve as a key reference point for thousands of businesses and other stakeholders. Between 2012 and 2025, the event engaged more than 9,000 stakeholders.

Now in its 15th edition, this year’s General States of the Green Economy will focus on the theme “International Drivers of the Green Economy in a Critical Geopolitical Context”. The event will take place on 3 and 4 November 2026 at the Rimini Expo Centre, as part of Italian Exhibition Group’s Ecomondo event.

Second General Assembly of the Horizon Europe MONALISA Project

The second General Assembly of the Horizon Europe project MONALISA (MONitoring and Assessing prevention and restoration soLutIons to combat deSertificAtion) was held in Thessaloniki, Greece, on 14 and 15 October.

ISPRA is involved in developing a framework for assessing and monitoring desertification risk at the European scale, as well as establishing a Community of Knowledge to foster knowledge exchange among researchers, practitioners, policymakers and other stakeholders engaged in combating land degradation.

During the meeting, participants discussed preliminary results, activities carried out, and challenges encountered during the first two years of the project.

Mammals 4.0: Behind the Scenes of Research – The Fourth Episode of DigitAP

The seventeenth edition of M’ammalia 2026 – Mammal Week kicks off on 23 October. This year’s theme is “Mammals 4.0: Behind the Scenes of Research”. The initiative provides an opportunity to showcase how technology and new methodologies are transforming the study, conservation and management of wildlife, and to launch the fourth episode in our documentary series dedicated to biodiversity monitoring. The series was produced with funding from Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), as part of the DigitAP project, promoted and implemented by the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE), with the support of the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) and funding from the European Union – NextGenerationEU. ISPRA played a leading role in the project’s scientific coordination.

Soil, Nature and Territory

New Challenges and Land Governance: From Monitoring to Restoration and Regeneration

How can we measure land consumption, promote nature restoration and steer territorial development towards more sustainable models? These are some of the key topics at the heart of the event “Soil, Nature and Territory: New Challenges and Land Governance from Monitoring to Restoration and Regeneration”, taking place on Monday, 2 November, starting at 9:30 a.m., at the DAMA Technopole in Bologna.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Fall by 1.5% in 2026 as GDP Grows

ISPRA Publishes Estimates of Atmospheric Emissions

Based on the available data for the second half of the monitoring period, greenhouse gas emissions in 2026 are expected to decrease by 1.5% compared with 2025, while GDP is projected to grow by 0.8%. The overall reduction is driven primarily by a decline in coal consumption, which is used both in the residential sector and in industry, with emissions from industrial activities falling by 7.7%. This is followed by a 1.4% reduction in emissions from energy production and a 1.2% decrease in emissions from heating, in line with natural gas consumption trends. The transport sector also records a slight decline of 0.2%, mainly due to lower diesel consumption for road transport, partially offset by an increase in petrol consumption. No significant changes are expected in 2026 compared with the previous year in agriculture and waste management.

These are the key findings of the quarterly greenhouse gas emissions estimates produced by ISPRA (the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research). This monitoring exercise makes it possible to regularly assess the relationship between economic performance and environmental impact, providing essential insights into the country's climate trends. The latest figures point to an initial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions—a first positive sign that will need to be sustained and strengthened to achieve climate targets.

“The estimates for 2026 confirm a very important trend: the gradual decoupling of economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions” said Maria Alessandra Gallone, President of ISPRA and SNPA (the National System for Environmental Protection). “GDP growth of 0.8% alongside a 1.5% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions is an encouraging and tangible sign that economic growth and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand rather than necessarily being in conflict. This result underscores the importance of decarbonisation policies, energy efficiency and technological innovation, demonstrating how the green transition can also create opportunities for the country's development and competitiveness. We know that achieving European and national climate targets will require continued commitment, consistent action and investment. However, falling emissions in the industrial sector and the growing contribution of renewable energy sources, which meet more than 42% of electricity demand, are important signs of an ongoing transformation.”

The challenge is to consolidate these gains and accelerate change, bringing together environmental protection, economic growth and people's well-being. In this process, the scientific expertise and monitoring provided by ISPRA and the National System for Environmental Protection are essential tools for guiding informed decisions and effective policies.

In 2026, electricity demand stood at 156,671 GWh, representing an increase of 2.5% compared with the same period in 2025 and 3.3% compared with 2024. This energy demand was met by renewable energy sources (RES), which accounted for 42.8%, non-renewable sources, which supplied 41.1%, and net electricity imports, which accounted for the remaining 16.2%.

The ocean sunfish in the Mediterranean: new insights into an enigmatic species

With its large, flattened body, the ocean sunfish (Mola mola) is one of the most distinctive and recognizable inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea. Encounters with this species are uncommon, but when it appears at the surface, it rarely goes unnoticed. Yet, despite its large size and wide distribution, many aspects of its ecology remain poorly understood, particularly in the Mediterranean.

A new study coordinated by ISPRA has sought to fill some of these knowledge gaps by bringing together the available scientific literature on the species, 14 years of ferry-based observations, and the latest environmental DNA (eDNA) data.

Wildfires: When Fire Erases Green

Understanding the impacts to protect forests: prevention starts now.
ISPRA updates wildfire data.

Wildfires in Europe and Italy

According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), the 2026 wildfire season remains severe across Europe, particularly in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia and Belgium.

Between 1 January and 15 September 2026, Italy recorded 2,076 major wildfires, burning over 1,200 km², an area almost as large as Rome’s municipal territory. Nearly 200 km² of the burned land consisted of forests.

Sicily was the hardest-hit region, accounting for 55% of Italy’s total burned area, followed by Calabria and Puglia, each representing around 10%. Piedmont was the most affected region in northern Italy, while Abruzzo led in central Italy, both accounting for approximately 4%.

Agrigento was the most severely affected province, with 222 km² burned, including around 15 km² of forest.

Protected areas were particularly vulnerable: over 30% of Italy’s total burned area and approximately 40% of burned forest land fell within national parks, nature reserves and Natura 2000 sites.

Major wildfire events

On 20 July, a large fire in the provinces of Agrigento and Palermo burned 63 km², including 12 km² of forest, mainly evergreen woodland and conifer plantations, much of it within ecologically valuable areas.

On 4 August, another serious fire affected Piedmont’s Biella and Vercelli provinces, burning approximately 9 km² of forest, primarily mixed deciduous and coniferous woodland.

Monitoring and prevention

ISPRA’s wildfire monitoring system uses high-resolution satellite observations to provide scientifically reliable data, helping national and regional authorities assess environmental damage and improve forest protection and prevention strategies.

The DigitAP Project Results Capture the Biodiversity of Italy’s Protected Areas

Millions of data records collected, state-of-the-art technologies and a shared digital infrastructure for the coordinated monitoring of biodiversity across Italy’s 24 National Parks and 31 Marine Protected Areas: the work carried out under the DigitAP project came to a close on 15 October at the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE).

The project was promoted and implemented by MASE with the support of ISPRA and funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.

Italian Coordination Committee of the Covenant of Mayors

Meeting of the National Delegation at the 2026 European Covenant of Mayors Ceremony

From Commitment to Implementation: Strengthening Multilevel Governance for Local Climate and Energy Action in Italy

Multilevel governance, scientific data and territorial resilience: ISPRA’s strategic role in the Covenant of Mayors Coordination Committee for the Climate Transition

ISPRA participated in the proceedings of the Italian Coordination Committee of the Covenant of Mayors, established in 2021 by ENEA, which serves as its national coordinator, together with RENAEL and the European Covenant of Mayors Office (CoMO).

On the occasion of the presentation of the national Coordination Committee’s Position Paper, ISPRA’s Director General emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between different levels of government and enhancing the role of scientific knowledge and environmental data in supporting local climate policies.

17th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17)

The Environment as a Source of Healing

Genetics, Epigenetics and the Environment in Health Trajectories

On 21 and 22 October 2026, in Pizzo Calabro (Vibo Valentia), Arpacal will host a study day as part of the VeBS project. Two days dedicated to understanding how the places we live in leave their mark on our biology, and how a healthy environment can help us improve our well-being.