At Rimini, Arcadia is unveiled to the public: a scale model of ISPRA’s new oceanographic research vessel “arrives” at the Meeting
A floating laboratory for understanding and protecting the Mediterranean
The sea will be one of the key themes of the SNPA exhibition space and talks from 21 to 26 August at the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples, taking place at the Rimini Exhibition Centre. On 25 August at 11:00 a.m., the round table “A dive where the sea is bluest: people and actions to safeguard our marine ecosystems” will be held, with the participation of ISPRA and SNPA President Maria Alessandra Gallone. The discussion will focus on the health of the Mediterranean, the blue economy, marine biodiversity protection, bathing waters, and the monitoring and control of marine ecosystems.
But that’s not all: at the SNPA stand, visitors will also be able to see a 1:100 scale model of ISPRA’s new oceanographic research vessel, Arcadia, built as part of the PNRR MER Project (Marine Ecosystem Restoration). A true concentration of cutting-edge technology for marine exploration, the vessel is equipped with highly specialised scientific laboratories designed for sample processing and for conducting initial research activities directly on board.
This new infrastructure represents a major step forward in strengthening ISPRA’s marine research activities, contributing to biodiversity conservation, pollution monitoring and a better understanding of the dynamics of the Mediterranean Sea. The ISPRA vessel will host the HUGIN AUV, one of the world’s most advanced autonomous underwater vehicles, capable of exploring the seabed at depths of up to 3,000 metres and currently deployed on highly complex scientific, environmental and geophysical missions.
At the Rimini Meeting, ISPRA and the National Environmental Protection System (SNPA) will also have an exhibition space within the institutional area of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, offering meetings, informational materials and in-depth sessions on environmental protection, monitoring and enforcement, and scientific research aimed at safeguarding the territory