Events and News

ISPRA at the China-Italy Science, Technology and Innovation Week

Boosting Innovation, Building a Sustainable Future Together

The 14th edition of the Italy-China Week of Science, Technology and Innovation opened today in Beijing, under the theme “Boosting Innovation, Building a Sustainable Future Together.” The initiative, in which ISPRA is participating, takes place alternately in Italy and China and continues to serve as a key event for the joint promotion of scientific research, technology transfer, and sustainable development. This edition also marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

22nd Edition of Urbanpromo

As part of the 22nd edition of Urbanpromo – Projects for the Country, held in Florence from November 11 to 14, 2025, Michele Munafò, Head of the National Environmental Information System Service at ISPRA, will participate in two conferences: Toward the 2026 Territorial Report: Visions, Knowledge, and Interpretations in Urban Planning and Policies and Environment, Innovation, and Territorial Economy

The Role of Geosciences: From Basic Knowledge to Satellite Data to AI for the Country's Sustainable Future

ISPRA, in collaboration with the Ministry of University and Research (MUR), will participate in the "OrientaTalenti 2025" event, scheduled for November 6 and 7, 2025, at MIND – Milano Innovation District, the innovation hub located in the former Expo Milano area.

Promoted by OrientaTalenti, the event is dedicated to students and aims to foster connections between the worlds of education, scientific research, and institutions, offering young people the opportunity to gain a firsthand understanding of the professions of the future and the skills required by the ecological and digital transition.

During the event, ISPRA will offer a thematic session entitled "The Role of Geosciences: From Basic Knowledge to Satellite Data to AI for the Country's Sustainable Future," which will be held on Friday, November 7, from 1:45 PM to 3:00 PM, at MIND (Valore Italia headquarters, Sala Platino 1P).

ISPRA in Ecomondo 2025

From November 4th to 7th, Rimini Fiera will host Ecomondo, the international trade fair that spotlights the circular economy, the green economy, and the blue economy, bringing together companies, researchers, and institutions for global dialogue. The event is divided into seven thematic macro-areas, each dedicated to a key aspect of the ecological transition. In addition to the areas and districts to explore, sustainability professionals and stakeholders can delve deeper into the key themes of the ecological transition by attending the numerous scheduled conferences.

The Geological Map of Italy at a scale of 1,50,000: Sheet No. 493 Taranto

The event, organized by ASSET in collaboration with ISPRA and the Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences of the University of Bari, will showcase the results of a project of national interest and promote geological knowledge as an essential tool for informed territorial planning, supporting responsible, resilient, and low-impact interventions.

Critical Raw Materials and Projects of National Strategic Interest: Innovations Needed for Sustainability and Development from Mineral Extraction to Processing

The event will provide a high-level discussion on the state of the mining sector in light of the new EU Regulation 2024/1252 and Decree-Law 84/2024, which establish the updated procedures for mining projects of national strategic interest.

Experts from academia, industry, and public institutions will discuss European mining autonomy, the valorization of national resources, environmental sustainability, social acceptability, and industrial circularity through the recovery of mining waste.

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

Presentation of the Report "Land Consumption, Territorial Dynamics, and Ecosystem Services" - 2025 Edition

The 2025 edition of the Report "Land Consumption, Territorial Dynamics, and Ecosystem Services" will be presented on October 24th. This report is edited by the National System for Environmental Protection (SNPA), which monitors land use and land consumption. The Report, along with the maps and indicator databases available for each Italian municipality, compiled by ISPRA and SNPA, provides an updated picture of land cover transformation processes and allows for the assessment of land degradation and the impact of land consumption, urbanization, and infrastructure on the landscape and ecosystem services.
The winning images of the Photo Contest 2025 will be presented during the presentation of the Report.

Consumo di suolo, dinamiche territoriali e servizi ecosistemici. Edizione 2025

Syhthesis

Regional data 

Main data at regional, provincial and municipalities level

Press release (ita)

Infographic

Program

Land reclamation and land conservation: the role of public bodies and private operators

In line with its objectives and continuing its study of remediation for the remediation and recovery of degraded areas and contaminated sites, CeRAR pays particular attention to analyzing how remediation relates, in technical and regulatory terms, to the issues of land consumption containment and urban regeneration. This conference is dedicated to this analysis, also considering the priority role these two issues are recognized for, within the context of the ecological transition, both at the European and national levels. The presentations and roundtable discussions aim to provide useful answers and concrete recommendations, also in light of the data and results of experiences carried out in various territorial contexts, highlighting the essential role of public bodies and private operators.

European Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience Approved

After a long and arduous preparatory process, the European Parliament today approved the Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive. The Directive begins building a common framework for monitoring soil health in Europe, with the aim of improving soil resilience through sustainable soil management, combating land take, and managing contaminated sites.

Towards a European framework for soil quality and remediation

Soil health is defined as "the physical, chemical, and biological condition of soil that determines its ability to function as a viable living system and provide ecosystem services."

Currently, over 60% of European soils are not in good condition, showing a progressive deterioration that leads to economic losses estimated at approximately €50 billion per year.

This situation has made the adoption of common policies and effective tools for soil protection urgent. In this regard, on September 29, the European Council adopted the new Soil Monitoring Directive (now awaiting approval by the European Parliament) with the goal of ensuring healthy soils by 2050. Member States will have three years from the entry into force of the directive to implement it into their respective legislation and establish a monitoring system compliant with a shared European methodology.

During the meeting, the main innovations introduced by the directive will be presented and its concrete effects on public policies and activities related to soil management will be analyzed.

Presentation of Sheet 121 Brescia of the Geological Map of Italy

The Sheet 121 "Brescia" was produced under an agreement between the Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), the Lombardy Region, and the Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering of the National Research Council (CNR-IGAG), in collaboration with the Civic Museum of Natural Sciences of Brescia and the "Ardito Desio" Department of Earth Sciences of the University of Milan.

The sheet includes a 1:50,000 geological map with four sections, a 1:50,000/1:100,000 subsurface geological sheet with one section, explanatory notes for the map with five appendices, a 1:25,000 database, and a 3D digital geological model.

ADI Design Index 2025: ISPRA's IdroGeo national platform selected

The IdroGEO National Platform has been selected for the ADI Design Index 2025 in the Service Design category. The selection, made by the Permanent Design Observatory of ADI (Association for Industrial Design), aims to convey the complexity and richness of contemporary Italian design, intertwining languages, materials, and design visions.
The presentation of the selected projects was held on October 15, 2025, at the ADI Design Museum Compasso d'Oro in Milan.

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is celebrated on October 13.
The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989.
The objective of establishing this day is to send an important message to the governments of all countries around the world, as well as to international organizations and the global population, to reflect on the ever-increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters.

Among the institutional tasks of ISPRA is the collection, processing, and dissemination of maps and data on hydrogeological instability for the entire national territory, making them available to the country for risk prevention and mitigation.

Geodiversity and geological heritage in urban areas

October 6th marks UNESCO's Geodiversity Day, an essential expression and component of natural heritage and a key element for understanding the geological processes that shape the landscape.

Knowledge and promotion of geological heritage also play a strategic role in urban environments, both as a parameter for risk assessment and as a source of valuable cultural, educational, and environmental resources.

The conference aims to promote an interdisciplinary dialogue aimed at recognizing and integrating geodiversity into urban contexts, contributing to a broader reflection on conservation, spatial planning, and land development policies.

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.

A geodiversity discovery tour of some geosites in the Maiella Geopark

ISPRA, in collaboration with Maiella Global Geopark UNESCO, is organizing an excursion on October 4th to celebrate UNESCO's International Geodiversity Day.

International Geodiversity Day is celebrated worldwide on October 6th, promoting the many aspects of geological diversity.
This year's theme is "One Earth, Many Stories."

The day will be celebrated in the geopark on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Animals, Plants, Rocks and Minerals: The ISPRA Collections > A Multispecies Museum

On Friday, October 3rd, the MUCIV – Museum of Civilizations in Rome presents the new permanent display of the paleontological and litho-mineralogical collections of ISPRA – the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research – alongside the solo exhibition Elisa Montessori. The Dream of the Red Room, an unprecedented dialogue between a selection of MUCIV’s Chinese collections and the work of one of Italy’s leading contemporary artists.

Organized in collaboration between ISPRA – Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research – and MUCIV – Museum of Civilizations in Rome, with the support of ALES – Arte Lavoro e Servizi S.p.A., an in-house company of the Italian Ministry of Culture, the project for the new permanent exhibition – Animals, Plants, Rocks and Minerals: The ISPRA Collections > A Multispecies Museum – represents the culmination of a process launched in 2022. This process involved the study, restoration, and renewed presentation to the public of collections of extraordinary historical and scientific value.

Comprising more than 150,000 specimens (fossilized animals and plants, rock and mineral samples, geological surveys, scientific instruments, busts, portraits, memorabilia, and archival documentation), the ISPRA collections reflect the work of the Italian Geological Survey and its scholars, who, in line with 19th-century thought, assigned science an essential role in the development of the modern national industry, placing humankind and its control over the environment at the center of complex and long-term processes.

The contribution of Italian Geological Cartography in the search for Critical Raw Materials

Geological and thematic mapping (geological, geomorphological, hydrogeological, geochemical, hydrogeological instability, mineral resource maps, etc.) represents not only the basis for in-depth knowledge of the territory and the management of natural and anthropogenic risks, but also a fundamental tool for the potential identification and extraction of critical raw materials. These raw materials, of increasing strategic importance for the environmentally sustainable technological and industrial development of a modern country, require in-depth knowledge of georesources, an accurate estimate of available reserves, and a proper assessment of the environmental impact of their extraction.

Deeply Earthly

New technologies and new observatories for an Earth science open to the future
Renewing and expanding the monitoring network for a positive impact on society, both present and future. This is the focus of the MEET Project – Monitoring Earth’s Evolution and Tectonics, coordinated by the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) and funded by the PNRR, which will be at the center of the infoday on September 30.

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.

CARG Summer School of Geological Survey and Cartography

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. The School is aimed at geologists with surveying skills (graduates, PhD students, PhDs, freelancers, officials of institutions) interested in deepening the methodologies of field collection and archiving of geological data according to the criteria established for the Geological Map of Italy - CARG Project.

Reportage "Vulci. Geology, Prehistory, History, and Nature"

The Vulci Archaeological Natural Park is one of the most important archaeological areas in Lazio, where Etruscan, Roman, and medieval remains coexist. The park offers visitors the opportunity to admire the remains of an ancient Etruscan-Roman city, immersed in a natural landscape characterized by volcanic rocks and travertine, while walking through an area characterized by high biodiversity, included in a Special Area of ​​Conservation (SAC) that protects a river system with typical wetland formations, riparian forests, and holm oak forests.

The report was produced by ISPRA on the occasion of the Planet Earth Week 2024.

Summer School “Mineral Deposits”

Last September, the "Mineral Deposits" Summer School was held at the San Silvestro Archaeological Mining Park in Campiglia Marittima. Organized by the ISPRA School of Specialization in Environmental Disciplines, the Italian Geological Society (GGM and GIGS sections), and the Italian Society of Mineralogy and Petrology, the school was open to 25 undergraduates, graduates, doctoral students, and young researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds. The school aimed to provide a solid theoretical and, above all, practical foundation for mineral deposit exploration, from planning to fieldwork. It combined theoretical lectures with hands-on fieldwork, including visits and surveys in the Park's mining galleries. The activities, led by mineral exploration experts from both academia and research, as well as industry, allowed participants to gain a comprehensive overview of the different roles a geologist can play in mineral deposit exploration, including the need to approach mining activities within a framework of sustainability that is not only economic but, above all, environmental and social.

City, volcanoes, and mammoths: the metamorphoses of the ancient Appian Way

The Appian Way, one of the world's most fascinating archaeological parks, will be the narrative center of a trek led by university professors and researchers from ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research). The changing landscape will be explored with the help of zoology, geology, and urban planning to explore the multiple perspectives through which the history of the Regina Viarum can be interpreted.

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.

ISPRA at the "Geosciences and the Challenges of the 21st Century" conference.

From September 15 to 18, the Joint National Congress of the Italian Society of Mineralogy and Petrology and the Italian Geological Society will take place in Padua. 1,000 scientists will attend, presenting 1,100 new studies on the challenges facing the future of our planet, environmental risks, raw materials, and the new opportunities opened up by space exploration.

New challenges for Earth Sciences: geological mapping and critical raw materials

The roundtable will be held on September 15th in Padua as part of the "Geosciences and the Challenges of the 21st Century" conference.
Earth Sciences are called upon to provide our country with the scientific and technical knowledge needed to address the complex environmental and resource-related challenges—energy, raw materials, water—of the 21st century. Geological and thematic cartography (geological, geochemical, hydrogeological, mineral resource maps, etc.) represents not only the basis for in-depth knowledge of the territory and the management of natural and anthropogenic risks, but also, for example, a fundamental tool for the potential identification and extraction of critical raw materials.

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.

VI Summer School of Geomorphology, Ecology and Biology in marine and insular environments

The Summer School of Geomorphology, Ecology and Biology in Marine and Insular Environments was created with the aim of providing advanced training and scientific updating to master's students, doctoral students, researchers and technicians working in the environmental sector. The multidisciplinary training offer is developed through lectures and practical exercises, in the various themes of geological, biological and natural sciences applied to the coastal marine environment. Particular attention will be given to the new technologies used in the study of these ecosystems, characterized by high vulnerability and strongly influenced by the effects of climate change, given their position on the border between the marine and continental domains.