Italy Joins the Second Phase of the National Collaboration Programme for the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service
Italy has reaffirmed its commitment to European environmental cooperation by officially joining the second phase of the National Collaboration Programme for the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS). The continuation of this important initiative was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) on 12 June. The agreement will remain in force for a period of 18 months.
This new phase brings together 20 participating Member States and focuses on the further development of the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS) based on user requirements. These requirements, identified during the first phase of the programme, were at the heart of discussions during the recent CLMS General Assembly and CLMS National Collaboration Programme events, held in Valencia from 23 to 25 June.
The main priorities identified include:
- Higher spatial and temporal resolution data for agriculture, forestry, and water management.
- Easier integration between European datasets and national mapping systems.
- Improved accuracy through enhanced validation processes and clearer metadata.
- Better support for policy implementation through the development of "ready-to-use" indicators aligned with institutional reporting deadlines and European directives.
- Strengthened knowledge transfer and enhanced collaboration among programme partners.
Through ISPRA, acting as the Italian National Focal Point, Italy will continue to play a key role in consolidating the requirements expressed by the national and regional environmental monitoring network.