History

ISPRA preserves the geological and historical cultural heritage of the former Geological Service of Italy

The Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, ISPRA (Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale), has been established by Decree no. 112 of 25 June 2008, converted into Law no. 133 (with amendments) on 21 August 2008.

Since 2008 ISPRA performs, with the inherent financial resources, equipment and personnel, the duties of:
- ex-APAT, Italian Environment Protection and Technical Services Agency (article 38 of Legislative Decree no. 300, July 30, 1999, and subsequently amended);
- ex-INFS, National Institute for Wildlife (Law no. 157 of February 11, 1992, and subsequently amended);
- ex-ICRAM, Central Institute for Scientific and Technological Research applied to the Sea (Decree no. 496, article 1-bis, December 4, 1993, converted into Law no. 61, Article 1, January 21, 1994, with amendments).

ISPRA has inherited from APAT a remarkable cultural heritage, represented by paleontological and litho-mineralogical collections, but also by geological relief maps, technical equipment and various works of art (busts, plaques, sculptures and paintings).