News

XIII Edition of Planet Earth Week

Earth Week is a science festival that, since 2012, has annually transformed Italy into a stage for science and nature, with the aim of spreading knowledge of the geosciences and raising public awareness of the value of our geological, environmental, and cultural heritage.

The 13th edition of Earth Week will take place from October 5th to 12th, an event that will involve ISPRA researchers in an intense scientific outreach program. The initiative will offer the opportunity to explore the complex connection between geology, the sea, biodiversity, and our country's historical and cultural heritage, highlighting the fundamental role of public outreach in understanding and sustainably managing our environment.

For the first time in Sicily, a Golden Eagle chick from a natural nest has been “tagged” for scientific purposes

The study of the interactions between the Bonelli’s Eagle and the Golden Eagle becomes a reality in Sicily and Sardinia thanks to satellite GPS transmitters placed on the raptors. A webcam, installed near the nest in the Nebrodi Park and constantly monitored by researchers, provides live streaming of the chick’s extraordinary life, publicly accessible online.

ISPRA is conducting research on the ecological interaction between the Golden Eagle and the Bonelli’s Eagle in the Mediterranean, within the framework of the LIFE Abilas project on the reintroduction of the Bonelli’s Eagle in Sardinia. The results of this study will make it possible to highlight possible differences in dispersal strategies and spatial distribution, as well as the potential areas of overlap between the two species, in order to develop the best conservation strategies.

Observe and report the flora and fauna around you even on holiday!

Participate in the "Biodiversity in Pose" initiative of the ISPRA National Biodiversity Network, dedicated to collecting and sharing observations of fauna, flora, and the natural environment made by citizens.

"Biodiversity in Posa" offers anyone interested the opportunity, through its connection to the iNaturalist app, to share reports of nature images taken by both professionals and amateurs with the Network at any time, thus providing a data entry channel.

Lead, a poison without borders

International conference on the effects of lead in hunting ammunition on wild birds, the environment, and human health
The event is organized by the Association for Ornithological Studies and Ecological Research of Friuli Venezia Giulia (APS) - in collaboration with the Italian Center for Ornithological Studies, the Vulture Conservation Foundation, the Julian Prealps Natural Park, and the Cornino Lake Nature Reserve.

RemTech Europe

The conference's goal is to share knowledge, innovation, and case studies, encourage the development of remediation processes and the application of new and sustainable technologies, and bring together experts, problem solvers, and providers of available services and technologies. RemTech Europe also offers a platform for discussion among interested parties. The rich program is designed to promote knowledge sharing and communication among all stakeholders.

MER Project – Coastal Mapping: Exploring the Submerged Wonders of the Baia Archaeological Park

Just off the coast of Naples, beneath the tranquil waters of Baiae, lies one of the Mediterranean's most fascinating underwater treasures: the Baiae Underwater Archaeological Park. This unique site offers an extraordinary glimpse into ancient Roman civilization, now lying between 5 and 13 meters below sea level.

Once a luxurious resort for the Roman aristocracy, Baiae was renowned for its opulence and thermal baths. Over the centuries, volcanic activity and coastal subsidence gradually caused part of the city to sink beneath the sea. Today, the underwater park preserves the remains of Lacus Baianus and Portus Julius, two important ports of the Roman Empire. To the west, the port of Cape Misenum served as a base for the Roman imperial fleet.

ISPRA at "Missione Italia," 3bMeteo's trip to illustrate, together with industry experts, the impacts of climate change on the country.

On July 29, ISPRA hosted the 3BMeteo "Missione Italia" project at the Marinello Lakes in the province of Messina. Extreme hydro-meteorological events, heavy and exceptional rainfall, droughts, and their impact on the environment and humankind were discussed.

Furthermore, discussions were held on the European Horizon 2020 project - SD-WISHEES - coordinated by the CNR Water Research Institute, in which ISPRA is leading the efforts to understand optimal solutions for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage. The national initiative C3S NCP for Italy, coordinated by ISPRA, aims to develop hydro-climatic services based on the use of Copernicus Climate Change Service products in operational national tools and models.

Undersea mountains: treasure troves of biodiversity and natural laboratories for geological research.

Due to their ecological importance and vulnerability to human impacts, seamounts are a priority for marine conservation. These submerged mountains are true biodiversity hotspots, with unique ecosystems home to coral forests, sponges, invertebrates, and numerous fish species.

From a geological perspective, seamounts are of extreme interest for several reasons: the potential presence of geomineral resources, such as strategic mineral deposits; geothermal energy sources, resulting from underwater volcanic activity; and the assessment of the risk of seismic events and landslides, which can affect the stability of the seabed and coastal areas.

The geophysical surveys conducted during the PNRR MER oceanographic campaign provide an essential knowledge base for planning further exploration campaigns. Thanks to the use of sustainable research methods, it will be possible to further study these environments while minimizing the impact on deep-sea ecosystems.

Special reopening of the Salone delle Scienze

Participate in the final stages of the ongoing installation of the new ISPRA Collections itinerary.

Starting July 30, 2025, the Museum of Civilizations invites the public to a unique experience: crossing the threshold of a veritable construction site, witnessing firsthand and in real time the final stages of the ongoing installation of one of its most important scientific collections.

The exhibition currently taking shape in the Hall of Sciences of the Palazzo delle Scienze features ISPRA's Paleontological and Litho-mineralogical Collections. This exceptional collection, comprising over 150,000 specimens, including animal and plant fossils, rock and mineral samples, scientific instruments, geological surveys, busts, portraits, relics, and documents, is scheduled for inauguration on October 3rd.

ISPRA at the Rimini Meeting

The 46th edition of the Rimini Meeting will be held from August 22nd to 27th at the Rimini Fair. This year's event's theme is: "In deserted places we will build with new bricks." The quote, taken from the Choruses from "The Rock" by T.S. Eliot, primarily expresses the hope for something new within the drama of history, the desire to build together places where we can share research and the experience of what is true, good, and just.

ISPRA will have a stand in the Environment area created by MASE together with all the national research institutions and will participate, with its researchers, in the talks held in the MASE space.

COP 15 on the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands

Four Italian wetlands have been recognized as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

The Conference of the Parties (COP15 Ramsar) is currently underway at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, to develop a new strategy for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

The theme chosen for COP15 is "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future." The conference highlights the essential role that wetlands play in sustaining biodiversity, supporting climate resilience and water security, and thus supporting economic development and human well-being.

ISPRA in RemTech Expo 2025

RemTech Expo, the leading event for remediation, environmental risks, and land regeneration, will be held this year from September 17th to 19th in Ferrara. The event is composed of twelve segments – REMTECH and REMTECH EUROPE remediation of contaminated sites, COAST coastal protection, ports, sustainability, HYDROGEO natural risks, instability, landslides, CLIMETECH climate change, mitigation, adaptation, INFRATECH monitoring and safety of strategic infrastructures such as railways, bridges, roads and dams with particular attention to the prevention of hydrogeological instability, floods, landslides, CIRCULARTECH circular economy, sustainable technologies and waste management, RIGENERACITY urban regeneration, CHEMTECH innovative and sustainable chemical industry and FIRE prevention-innovation-research, fire prevention and safety of Italian Cultural Heritage, ENERGY new energy topics such as solar, wind, offshore renewables, geothermal, hydroelectric, hydrogen, nuclear – and a special segment HUTTE dedicated to the themes of sustainability and integral well-being.

Sinkhole susceptibility map of Rome's neighborhoods updated

Many Italian cities contain "cities beneath cities," meaning tunnels, underground spaces, places of worship, and cemeteries that form an intricate network of conduits beneath the urban fabric.
These "voids" are primarily caused by the extraction of building materials and, to a lesser extent, the construction of hydraulic structures and places of worship.
When abandoned, underground spaces tend to sink, forming immense chasms.
The map, updated in July 2025, was created by ISPRA together with the CNR - IGAG Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering.

Monk seal: good practices to recognize her

Best practices to follow if you spot a seal

If you spot a monk seal, it's important to immediately reduce any potential disturbance caused by human proximity.
If you're on a boat, reduce speed to a minimum and maintain a distance of 50 meters, without obstructing the animal's path and avoiding loud noises and shouting that could cause significant stress.
It's essential to immediately alert the Port Authority (call 1530).

To support scientific research, reporting and describing the sighting will be extremely helpful to ISPRA researchers by emailing focamonaca@isprambiente.it and/or sending a message to the Ispra Monk Seal Facebook page. Please also contact the Marine Protected Area closest to the sighting location to expedite the reporting process.

The National Biodiversity Network and the role of citizen science in monitoring riparian vegetation – The RiVe project

Synchronous e-learning course

As part of the activities of the National Biodiversity Network and the RiVe (Riparian Vegetation) Project, ISPRA is promoting the training course "The National Biodiversity Network and the Role of Citizen Science in Monitoring Riparian Vegetation – The RiVe Project."

Publication of RETICULA n. 39/2025

The number 39 of RETICULA technical journal is now available online.

This issue presents, in the Editorial, the Nature Restoration Regulation (EU) 2024/1991 and the future steps for the definition of National Restoration Plans. The articles section hosts a contribution that, starting from the analysis reported in a recent ISPRA publication, highlights strengths and criticalities of Municipal Green Plans.

The MER Project at Expo Osaka 2025 among Italian maritime excellences

The sea is one of the key topics of Expo Osaka 2025, under the theme “Designing the future society for our lives,” which will be held from April 13 to October 13, 2025.
On July 22nd, within the celebrations of the World Maritime Day in Japan, the Department for Maritime Policies (Presidency of the Council of Ministers of Italy) is organizing the event "Celebrating the Sea as a Source of Knowledge and Sustainability" at the Italian Pavilion’s Auditorium. The event is dedicated to promoting maritime excellence such as the ocean economy and scientific research. ISPRA will be among the main actors of the afternoon session with the presentation of the PNRR MER Project (Marine Ecosystem Restoration) and the implications for the blue economy, just a few days after the inauguration of the new oceanographic vessel Arcadia with which the Institute has renewed its commitment to marine protection by deploying a top-notch scientific infrastructure at the service of research, the environment, and the community.

European pond turtle - Monitoring an endangered species

ISPRA monitors the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) at the Presidential Estate of Castelporziano (Rome), a protected area of great value for its biodiversity. The European pond turtle is a native species classified as "critically endangered" in the IUCN Red List of Italian vertebrates (2022). Its population has drastically declined in Italy due to the degradation and disappearance of suitable aquatic habitats and competition with invasive alien species, such as the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans).

The European Researchers' Night 205

This year, ISPRA is participating in the European Researchers' Night, along with other public research institutions and universities.
The initiative, which will take place across Europe on September 26 and 27, will be an opportunity to introduce citizens to the world of scientific research and discover the activities and results of public research on current topics.

Second Meeting of the G20 Working Group on Environment and Climate Sustainability

South Africa, through its Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, is leading the second technical meeting of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG), which will be held from 14 to 18 July 2025 at Kruger National Park, Skukuza, Mpumalanga.

The ECSWG, under the South African presidency of the G20, will facilitate high-level discussions on important issues such as biodiversity and conservation, climate change, land degradation, drought, chemicals and waste management, air quality, and oceans and coasts.

ISPRA's MER Project on Special Tg1

"Marine Ecosystem Restoration" is the title of the Tg1 Special broadcast on July 13th, entirely dedicated to the PNRR "Marine Ecosystem Restoration" project.

Seminar "Water and Land Remediation"

The second meeting of the European project Water and Land Remediation took place today at Unem’s headquarters in Rome. The event is promoted by Unem in collaboration with IMPEL (European Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law), the EU-wide network of environmental authorities responsible for implementing environmental legislation. Since 2024, IMPEL has been under Italian leadership, with Marco Falconi from ISPRA serving as Chair.

Alien species in our seas

The Mediterranean Sea's biodiversity is constantly evolving, colonized by species expanding their ranges and arriving through natural corridors, such as the Strait of Gibraltar, and by non-native or alien species introduced by human activities or arriving through artificial corridors such as the Suez Canal. Some of these species can also pose a threat to human health, being toxic to eat or poisonous upon contact.

To help marine life recognize new species that can potentially be observed and fished in our seas, including those that pose a threat to human health, a brochure has been created, an updated version of the 2021 edition.

Any reports sent to researchers will also help monitor the distribution and spread of these species in our waters.

Alternative energy and sustainable development: scenarios, challenges and the role of professions

Ongoing climate change and the growing need for energy transition are currently presenting Italy—and particularly southern regions—with crucial choices. Renewable energy—wind, solar, and geothermal—represent a fundamental pillar on which to build a new model of sustainable development. However, these sources are not static: they evolve, improve, and hybridize with new technologies, altering their economic, environmental, and landscape impacts.

"Land Consumption in Italy 2025" Photo Contest

A snapshot to tell the story of change

ISPRA and SNPA are renewing their photography contest initiative to engage professionals, amateurs of landscape and street photography, and anyone who wants to document the impact of land use on the landscape, how new construction sites, buildings, infrastructure, and industrial warehouses, logistics, and large-scale retail trade have profoundly altered and continue to alter the landscape.

The contest is open to all, and images can be taken anywhere in Italy with any digital or analog camera.

Circular Economy and Critical Raw Materials: Lithium in Geothermal Brines

Lithium, essential for battery production—particularly for electric vehicles and electronic devices—is a critical material, as Italy is entirely dependent on foreign markets for supplies.

The presence of lithium was known in the pegmatites of Elba and Giglio, but the recent discovery of lithium in geothermal fluids in Tuscany, Lazio, and Campania highlights an opportunity for low-impact extraction.

Based on this premise, ARPA Toscana has organized a seminar on June 17th to explore the adoption of a circular economy model in the geothermal sector, together with Monia Monni, the Tuscany Region's Environment Councilor, ISPRA, the Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources of the CNR (IGG-CNR Pisa), and Ricerca Sistema Energetico (R.S.E. S.p.A.).

ISPRA’s ‘Nautilus’ encounters a cow shark at 960 meters depth

During the oceanographic expedition of the PNRR MER project, thanks to a sophisticated ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), a real 'robotic vehicle' capable of diving and operating up to 2,000 meters deep, researchers have mapped ecosystems never studied before in the Mediterranean Sea, revealing extraordinary scenarios and new species in the coral and sponge forests that populate the abyss.

Upcoming ISPRA events

ISPRA’s new oceanographic vessel: up to 4000 meters deep to overcome the challenge of climate change

Rome, July 15, Sala del Refettorio Biblioteca della Camera dei Deputati Nilde Iotti, Via del Seminario 76
On July 15, the ISPRA Major Oceanographic Vessel will be presented at the Camera dei Deputati: not just a new research infrastructure, but the concrete symbol of a collective commitment to the sea, to science, to future generations. The vessel represents one of the key interventions of the Marine Ecosystem Restoration (MER) Project, the largest investment planned by the PNRR for the protection of the marine environment: 400 million euros intended to protect and restore fragile ecosystems, starting with those that are submerged, invisible and mostly unknown. A project of great national scope, with ISPRA as the implementing body and the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security as the titular administration.

ISPRA presents the fourth report on hydrogeological instability in Italy: danger and risk indicators. Knowing the territory to prevent risks

Rome, July 30, Sala Polifunzionale della Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri, Via Santa Maria in Via 37 A
The fourth edition dedicated to this theme, updates the national landslide hazard map of the Hydrogeological Asset Plans – PAI, created by ISPRA through the harmonization and mosaicking of the areas delimited by the District Basin Authorities, and the risk indicators. The Report presents the ongoing activities that will lead to the updating of the hydraulic hazard and risk maps pursuant to the Floods Directive, scheduled for 2026. It also provides the reference framework on the state and changes of the Italian coasts and on avalanches.

Ecomafia 2025 - The stories and numbers of environmental crime in Italy

On Thursday, July 10, at 10:00 a.m., at the Sala del Refettorio of Palazzo San Macuto, the presentation of "Ecomafia 2025 - The stories and numbers of environmental crime in Italy" will take place. The ISPRA General Director Maria Siclari will participate in the conference.

CARG Summer School of Geological Survey and Cartography

Monteponi (Municipality of Iglesias), September 29 and October 4-10, 2025

The Summer School aims to disseminate the methodologies and criteria of geological surveying and cartography, conceptual organization of data and digital archiving system in accordance with the criteria of the CARG Project.

The School includes: one day of distance learning, days of field surveying in small groups followed by experts, frontal lessons and practical exercises.