Events and News

IV Day of Applied Ecotoxicology

Ecotoxicological Test Batteries for Various Areas: A Review

Sediments and Waters from Marine, Lake, and Inland Environments, Soils and Waste: New Proposals

Environmental assessments cannot do without the contribution of ecotoxicological tests, which estimate toxic effects on living organisms in various application contexts.
The contribution of public and private laboratories must continue to be crucial to the growth of a sector that supports the country's economic system in implementing the principles of the Green and Blue Economy.

Presentation of the Europe's Environment 2025 Report, the State of the Environment Report, and the SNPA Environment Report

On October 28, 2025, in the Sala della Regina of Palazzo Montecitorio in Rome, a national event will be held to jointly present three major reports on the state of the environment: Europe's Environment 2025 (European Environment Agency), State of the Environment in Italy 2025: Indicators and Analysis (ISPRA), and the SNPA Environment Report 2025 (National System for Environmental Protection).

The event will offer an integrated and up-to-date overview of key environmental dynamics, from the European, national, regional, and autonomous provinces perspectives.

The three reports present data, indicators, and analyses that enable us to understand current trends, identify emerging critical issues, and understand the responses adopted in different contexts.

These are essential tools for providing the scientific community, institutions, and citizens with reliable and comparable information capable of guiding future decisions towards sustainability. Not just a snapshot of the state of the environment, but also a thoughtful reflection and a solid basis for discussion on the priority challenges to be addressed.

Three complementary perspectives will offer a coherent and authoritative vision of the state of the environment in 2025.

Press release (ita)

Environment report in Europe 2025

The state of environment in Italy 2025

Environmental indicator data base ISPRA 

Program

Extreme weather events and climate change: from forecasting to prevention

The event is sponsored by the Municipality of Messina on the anniversary of the 2009 flood that killed 37 people in Giampilieri, Scaletta, and neighboring communities.
The initiative will provide an opportunity for discussion between local governments, research institutions, and professionals engaged in studying climate change and managing the resulting risks. Specifically, weather forecasts and climate analysis methodologies will be discussed, with an approach that extends from the national framework to the local context, where the memory of the 2009 flood remains a constant reminder.

Published EEA Report Europe's Environment 2025

Despite significant progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, the overall state of the environment in Europe is not good, particularly with regard to nature, which continues to suffer from degradation, overexploitation, and biodiversity loss, as well as from the acceleration of climate change, which poses an urgent challenge.

These are the conclusions of the Report Europe's Environment  2025, published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report provides the most comprehensive analysis of the current state and outlook for the environment, climate, and sustainability on the continent, based on data from 38 countries. The outlook for most environmental trends is alarming and poses serious risks to economic prosperity, security, and quality of life in Europe.

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.

Protect cultural heritage from hydroclimatic extreme events: learnings from Africa and Balkans

Stakeholders, experts, researchers, and students in the field of the Water(hydro)-Climate-Cultural Heritage Nexus will discuss innovative and concrete strategies to protect cultural and natural heritage from the growing impacts of climate change and, in particular, from extreme hydro-climatic events such as storms, floods, and droughts. The discussion will explore how this challenge of protecting cultural and natural heritage from extreme events affects communities in Europe and Africa, through the presentation of case studies from the Balkans and African regions, and will reflect on possible actions to be taken to strengthen resilience on this issue.

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

The area of Italy at risk for landslides, as defined in the Hydrogeological Planning (PAI), has increased by 15%, from 55,400 km² in 2021 to 69,500 km² in 2024, equal to 23% of the national territory. The most significant increases were recorded in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (+61.2%), Tuscany (+52.8%), Sardinia (+29.4%), and Sicily (+20.2%) and are primarily due to more detailed studies conducted by the district basin authorities and the autonomous provinces. The areas classified as highly at risk (high P3 and very high P4) have increased from 8.7% to 9.5% of the national territory. In 2024, 94.5% of Italian municipalities are at risk of landslides, floods, coastal erosion, or avalanches.

The situation on Italian beaches is improving: in terms of coastal erosion, there are more advancing stretches (+30 km) than eroding ones.

This is the picture that emerges from the fourth ISPRA Report on "Hydrogeological Instability in Italy" - 2024 Edition - the Institute's three-year work presented this morning in Rome at the Multipurpose Hall of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.

"A thorough understanding of landslide phenomena is the essential foundation for effective risk prevention and mitigation policies, but so is communication and information dissemination," stated ISPRA President Stefano Laporta. "Hydrogeological instability is not just a technical or structural issue; it affects the daily lives of each of us, the safety of our communities, and the prospect of a resilient environment. Active citizen involvement is essential; their contribution is invaluable on multiple fronts, from collecting timely reports from the local area to supporting the dissemination of information and participating in local emergency plans."

"The ISPRA report shows that 19.2% of the national territory is classified as being at greatest risk for landslides and floods, and Italy remains among the most exposed European countries in terms of landslides, with over 636,000 recorded landslides," stated ISPRA Director General Maria Siclari. "Indicators and maps on hydrogeological instability are taking on an increasingly important role also in the field of sustainable finance, assessment and management of physical and financial risks associated with the economic impact of extreme natural events," explained the Director General. "ISPRA data on hydrogeological instability are a fundamental tool to support public policies and strategic plannig".

Press release (ita)

Program

Hydrogeological instability in Italy: hazards and risk indicators. 2024 Edition

IdroGEO

Photo gallery

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.

Conservation of Mediterranean Trout and its Habitat: Roadmap towards a National Action Plan

The Round Table includes a discussion with the bodies responsible for implementing the conservation measures for the Mediterranean Trout included in the Guidelines published in the ISPRA Manuals and Guidelines series (MLG 207/2024) in order to outline any critical issues in their implementation and define a road map for their implementation and a policy recommendation document to reach a National Plan for the management and conservation of the species and its habitat. In addition to the bodies responsible for implementing the guidelines, representatives of scientific, environmental and fishing associations, stakeholders and experts are invited to the meeting.

Water Summit 2025

Resource of the future and impact on businesses

2025 is a crucial year to try to move from a state of permanent water crisis in our country to one of prevention of damage caused by climate change.

During Water Summit, a snapshot will be drawn of what is being done in the territory thanks to the National Plan for Infrastructure Interventions and for the Safety of the Water Sector.

Comparison on the implementation of the National Guidelines for the conservation of Mediterranean trout and its habitat

On May 29, a meeting planned by the LIFE STREAMS Project will take place at the headquarters of the Casentinesi Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna National Park at the Park Visitor Center in Premilcuore (FC), to verify the implementation of the Guidelines for the conservation of Mediterranean trout and its habitat (Action C.5 - ISPRA Manuals and Guidelines 207/2024), in person or online.

Alien species Dreissena polymorpha identified on the Tevere River

As part of the citizen science project “Tevere molluschi fantastici” (Tiber Fantastic Molluscs), coordinated by researchers from ISPRA, several specimens of the bivalve mollusc Dreissena polymorpha—commonly known as the zebra mussel—were discovered in Umbria, in the middle Tiber Valley near Alviano (TR). Although the species has a distinctive and easily recognizable appearance, its identification was confirmed by two expert malacologists involved in the project.

Previously reported in the Tiber River only near Rome a few years ago, the zebra mussel has been present in Italy since 1971. While its distribution remains localized, it is found in various freshwater systems across the country. This species is considered invasive and was listed in a 2017 scientific study among the 100 most invasive species in Europe. In countries where it has become highly invasive and widespread —such as Spain—it causes not only serious harm to biodiversity but also significant economic damage. The mussels tend to colonize pipes and aquatic infrastructure, resulting in high costs for maintenance, control, and restoration.

At present, the species is not expanding in Italy, but its spread should be carefully monitored and controlled to limit the risk of further diffusion. Many species, in fact, go through a 'latency' period before expanding and becoming invasive, eventually posing a threat to the ecosystem.

The discovery has been recorded in the web-GIS platform of the National Biodiversity Network (NBB), as well as in other relevant databases, as notification or warning issued to inform the public, scientists, conservationists, or authorities about the presence, spread, or risk in the riverine system were the species was found. A scientific report will also be prepared by the project coordinators to document and disseminate the finding.

Invent, innovate and transform the future of cultural heritage with Copernicus

ISPRA, together with the National Copernicus Users Forum and the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), is organizing a Hackathon entitled “Cultural Space”. This is a multidisciplinary event for young talents aimed at promoting innovation in the sectors of cultural heritage, air quality and climate change, making use of the Copernicus Earth observation products made available by the CAMS and C3S services.

Far Festival 2025

From 8 to 11 May, the first edition of FarFEST will be held at the Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Regional Nature Reserve: 4 days dedicated to ecology, sustainability and biodiversity in the Nazzano Tevere Farfa Reserve.

Comparison on the implementation of the National Guidelines for the conservation of Mediterranean trout and its habitat

On April 8, a meeting planned by the LIFE STREAMS Project will take place at the “Catasta Pollino” Center in Morano Calabro (CS), in the Pollino National Park Authority, to verify the implementation of the Guidelines for the conservation of Mediterranean trout and its habitat (Action C.5 – ISPRA Manuals and Guidelines 207/2024), in person or online.

Memorandum of Understanding between ISPRA and the Po River Basin Authority to deepen the hydrogeological knowledge of the territory

The President of ISPRA Stefano Laporta and the Secretary General of the Po River District Basin Authority Alessandro Bratti have signed a memorandum of understanding, lasting five years. The collaboration, aimed at deepening and experimenting with scientifically complex issues in the Po River district, also includes actions necessary for an effective use of resources and for the subsequent adoption of a shared strategy, within the scope of the respective institutional competences.

The contribution of scientific research for the future of our mountains

The day aims to foster a dialogue between scientific research and mountain users/stakeholders, with other Italian bodies operating in mountain areas and with some representatives of civil society. This dialogue will be structured around the research themes of the Mountain Working Group, regarding atmosphere, climate, biodiversity, cryosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and mountain medicine, also giving space to the project in collaboration between CNR and CAI "I Rifugi Sentinella del Clima e dell’Ambiente"

World Water Day 2025

World Water Day is celebrated on March 22, an annual United Nations observance focused on the importance of fresh water.
With over 2 billion people living without access to clean water, action is essential to address the global water crisis. A key goal of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Water, sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.

WATER resource care and universal access

Towards the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome 2026

The international conference "Water: care of the resource and universal access. Towards the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome 2026" will take place on March 21st. The meeting is from 10:00 in the Hall of Parliamentary Groups at the Chamber of Deputies.
In 2026, Rome will host the first Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum. The Forum, which until now has involved only the countries of the Mediterranean area, will for the first time also involve all the European and Balkan states.

"Teveremolluschifantastici...and where to find them" excursion on March 15th at the Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Regional Nature Reserve

On the occasion of the International Day of Action for Rivers, which is celebrated on March 14, ISPRA researchers will be in the Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Regional Nature Reserve as part of the participatory science project "Teveremolluschifantastici...e dove trovarli" to monitor the presence and distribution of native and alien molluscs in the Tiber River.

Management of drought risk and water crises

The webinar "Management of drought risk and water crises" is the third meeting organized by the Italian Hydrological Society as part of the «Lino Versace» Webinar Cycle on applied hydrology.
An ISPRA researcher will participate in the meeting.

Water: the priority of recovery and reuse

The Climate Adaptation Strategy of Rome Capital approved on 14 January 2025 identifies among the priorities the efficient management of water resources and the recovery, reuse and recycling of water as the essential measures to significantly and structurally reduce the consumption of drinking water.

The conference will examine the objectives and challenges to adapt the territory of Rome Capital and water management to a scenario of more frequent and intense climate change and drought and will explore the projects in the field and to be launched to enhance the advanced concept of recovery, reuse and recycling for all compatible uses.

“Green wire for a sustainable Jubilee” the SNPA events to reflect on ecology, science and faith

In March, on the occasion of World Water Day will start the initative “Green wire for a sustainable Jubilee"  with the first three regional events organized by Arpa Friuli Venezia Giulia, Arpa Liguria and Arpa Umbria (which will start as early as March 20th). This is a series of events which, involving the entire Italian territory at a regional level and, finally, at a national level, with  meetings, seminars, nature trails and city celebrations.

Presentation of the volume "Drought, scarcity and water crises - The contribution of research to support the definition of the water balance"

The volume is a collective work written by the “Drought, scarcity and water crises” working group of the Department of Earth System Sciences and Environmental Technologies of the Cnr, with the contribution of around 100 authors from various Cnr Institutes and the support from ISPRA, the Civil Protection Department and the commissioner structure for water scarcity.
The objective of this presentation is to open a dialogue between the main national bodies and institutions involved in the topics of drought, management and governance of water resources.

TETHYS4ADRION project

Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation for Riverine Plastic Litter Reduction in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas
The TETHYS4ADRION project studies the role of rivers in the spread of plastic pollution in the Adriatic-Ionian region, and has the general objective of developing mitigation strategies in order to reduce the input of waste from waterways to the sea.
The project will develop operational solutions that combat river plastic pollution by restoring the integrity of river ecosystems. Best practices to address the problem will be identified, which will be tested and validated through the collaboration of all stakeholders involved in the pilot areas.

ISPRA is partner of the project

Winter School on Environmental Impact Assessment

The call for participation in the Winter School on Environmental Impact Assessment in collaboration with La Sapienza di Roma has been published. The activity includes frontal and laboratory teaching and is reserved for university and PhD students. The topics addressed in this edition: surface waters; excavated earth and rocks.

Registration deadline: February 20th.

Computing riverine inputs of macrolitter into the Central Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean Sea) from the Tiber River during the 1st post-pandemic year

Published in the "peer reviewed" journal Science of the Total Environment, a joint ISPRA and Uniroma Tre study on the floating macrolitter that reaches the sea from the Tiber river through its two mouths (Fiumara grande and Canale di Fiumicino) with a particular temporal focus on 1 ° post-pandemic year.
In the period investigated, the results confirmed the high number of macrolitter transported by the river, with an estimated density at the mouth equal to 1170±151 objects/km2; However, compared to previous years, a reduction in macrolitter was detected with a percentage increase in single-use macro-waste linked to both packaging and objects linked to the pandemic period. Furthermore, much of the waste reaches the sea already fragmented.

Further information

Tales of monitoring and river molluscs

On the occasion of World Wetlands Day 2025, the Participatory Science project "#teveremolluschifantastici...e dove trovarli"" is organizing an excursion on 1 February to the Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Regional Nature Reserve to talk about river ecology, freshwater molluscs and water monitoring with practical experiments. The project aims to increase awareness of river biodiversity and contribute to the conservation of inland water ecosystems, also by mapping the presence and distribution of molluscs, with a pilot project on the Tevere river; the data collected flows into the portal of the National Biodiversity Network.

Current and future impacts of climate change: new assessment and forecasting tools thanks to the EU Copernicus programme

Estimate the future availability of water resources and develop future projections of heat waves based on greenhouse gas emission scenarios, evaluate the risks of forest fires, predict the possible frequency of drought events and temperature and precipitation anomalies based on seasonal forecast. These are the objectives of the cooperation between national and regional bodies within the framework of the National Collaboration Program (NCP) with the European Center for Medium-Term Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) promoted by the European Union for the use of the tools of the Copernicus Service dedicated to climate change (C3S).

Environment and health: Research projects for sustainable development

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of ARTA Abruzzo, a study conference dedicated to the topic of environment and health will be held on Friday 24 January in Pescara, which will offer a space for discussion, open to all citizens, on ongoing initiatives and research to ensure a sustainable future, with particular attention to environmental protection and community well-being.