News

The landscape and beauty of our cities. A walk through Italy 2025

On May 22, 2025, the event "The landscape and beauty of our cities. Walk through Italy 2025" will take place in Bologna, with the participation of operators and experts in the sector at international, national and local level, as well as the President of the National Committee for the development of public green spaces.
For ISPRA, Silvia Brini, Head of the Area for monitoring air quality and operational climatology, will illustrate the PNRR-PNC project "Vebs - The good use of green and blue spaces for the promotion of health and well-being", launched in 2023 and implemented with the technical and financial support of the Ministry of Health.

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.

Conference “Legislative Decree 105/2015 10 years after its promulgation: national experiences and future prospects”

On May 28, 2025, the Auditorium of the Inail General Directorate will host the conference co-organized by the Inail Department of Technological Innovations, the Department of Firefighters, Public Rescue and Civil Defense of the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and ISPRA, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the enactment of Legislative Decree no. 105 of June 26, 2015, containing “Implementation of Directive 2012/18/EU on the control of major-accident hazards involving dangerous substances”.

Bees, Beekeepers and Protected Areas

On the occasion of World Bee and Beekeepers Day, the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park will be the site of an important event dedicated to the protection of pollinators and the enhancement of the role of beekeeping in protected areas. The meeting will see the participation of researchers, technicians and representatives of the beekeeping and environmental world.

Call for Poster: RigeneraCity - Experiences of urban regenaration

Remtech Expo 2025
Ferrara, 17-19 September 2025
RigeneraCity, within RemTech Expo, represents a unique opportunity to share and enhance concrete experiences of urban regeneration. The Scientific Committee of RigeneraCity has launched a call aimed at selecting projects and best practices on the subject of urban regeneration that will be presented during RemTech Expo.

National Conference Against Eco-Mafia

On May 16 and 17, the National Conference on Counter-Eco-Mafia will be held in Rome at the Department of Law, organized by Legambiente, Libera in collaboration with Casa Comune and the University of Roma Tre. The conference, which marks the conclusion of an online training course divided into a series of webinars, aims to take stock of the progress and challenges in the fight against environmental crime, ten years after the introduction of environmental crimes in the penal code.

Major EU funding secured for IMPEL network: ISPRA at the forefront of environmental cooperation in Europe

ISPRA plays an active and strategic role in the IMPEL network (European Union Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law), with a seat on the Board and contributions to all five thematic Expert Teams: Industry & Air, Cross Cutting, Waste & TFS, Nature Protection, and Water & Land.

We are pleased to announce that IMPEL has secured over €5 million in funding from the European Commission's DG Environment for the 2025–2027 period.

The HANDY Project continues in Puglia, “Strengthen the specialist skills of the emergency services to respond to climate change events”

Funded by the Interreg Italy-Croatia 2021/2027 Programme, the HANDY Project has as its main objective the standardization of the specialized training of the Italian and Croatian Civil Protection operational forces, to ensure a harmonized approach to intervention procedures in the event of natural disasters, such as oil spills at sea, fires, earthquakes and floods. In this context, ISPRA has been tasked with training volunteers on the management of environmental emergencies at sea and along the coast, with particular attention to coastal contamination assessment techniques (SCAT), intervention strategies and techniques, as well as risk scenarios.

Safeguarding the Common Home for the Harmony of the Planet

A Green Thread for the SNPA Jubilee
The event is part of the broader project “Green Line for a Sustainable Jubilee”, promoted by the National System for Environmental Protection. On the occasion of the 2025 Jubilee, in fact, SNPA proposes a series of events throughout Italy, in agreement with local dioceses, to promote communication and awareness activities that involve environmental issues and those of faith, ecology and creation, science and religion.

“GHOSTNETS”: nearly 3 tons of ghost nets removed and 52 thousand square meters of seabed restored in Sicily

The first marine ecosystem restoration operations included by the PNRR MER - Marine Ecosystem Restoration – Intervention A12 “GhostNets” have been completed

Every year, approximately 100,000 mammals and one million marine birds die due to entrapment in abandoned fishing nets or after ingesting the fragments they release into the sea. 86% of marine waste found on the seabed is attributable to fishing activities, with a clear prevalence of abandoned, lost or disused fishing lines, ropes and nets (ISPRA data). Ghost nets therefore represent one of the most insidious forms of marine pollution.
For this reason, ISPRA, the implementing body of the PNRR MER project, has entrusted the economic operators Fondazione Marevivo, Castalia Consorzio Stabile and CoNISMa, the National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, in the “GhostNets” operation, with the recovery of fishing nets and gear abandoned or accidentally lost at sea.

Innovative Technologies for Monitoring Marine Protected Areas

The DigitAP project dedicated to Marine Protected Areas (MPA) is getting underway, with the start of the delivery phase of the equipment intended for environmental monitoring of species and habitats and anthropic pressures.

This involves high-tech equipment, including two different types of drones: a first model equipped with a laser light LiDAR sensor, ideal for 3D mapping of the territory and submerged structures, and the other equipped with a multispectral probe, capable of detecting environmental parameters, including the characteristics of vegetation and water quality.

Soil: an invisible and precious resource

In order to offer a contemporary look at the relationship between Man and Nature, Prof. David Grohmann and Eng. Andrea Margaritelli curate a series of meetings at the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, where researchers and professionals meet to analyze the problems and emergencies that concern the environment.

NEST Connect 2025 – The energy that changes the future

On May 13th, NEST Foundation presents NEST Connect 2025 – The energy that changes the future: a day dedicated to energy transition and sustainable innovation, with debates, scenarios and new perspectives. Researchers, policy makers, academics and businesses meet to shape, together, a new energy model. A network of thought and action to address the challenges of our time and generate concrete impact.

Publication of RETICULA n. 38/2025

The number 38 of RETICULA technical journal is now available online.

This issue's Editorial reflects on one of the necessary measures to combat invasive alien species (IAS), namely the early notification of the competent authorities of the appearance of a new IAS and its rapid removal. The articles give an update on the activities of pollinator monitoring in the Vesuvius area, with the double function of promoting biodiversity and contributing to public awareness; on the results of the LIFE Perdix project, whose main objective was the reintroduction of the Italian Partridge (Perdix perdix italica) in the Valle del Mezzano. The experience of the Bruschera marshes within the BioBlitz Lombardia programme as an opportunity for citizens to approach the world of natural sciences and biodiversity.

As usual, the News section contains many useful information reported by users of the journal and by the Editorial Board

Cosmos 482 spacecraft re-enters the atmosphere

The Department of Civil Protection is following the event in close contact with ASI: the probability of a real impact on Italian territory is extremely low and quantifiable at one in a million

The Soviet Cosmos 482 landing module, launched in 1972 towards Venus and remained in orbit for over fifty years due to a failure, is heading towards the atmosphere with an uncontrolled reentry.

Published Environment in Italy: an overview. Environmental data yearbook 2024

Environment in Italy: An Overview, 2024 Environmental Data Yearbook is a statistical report of great scientific importance, produced by ISPRA in collaboration with the regional and autonomous provincial environmental protection agencies within the National System for Environmental Protection (SNPA).

Through the over 300 indicators present in the ISPRA environmental indicators database, the document provides official information on the state of the environment in our country to a broad audience that includes politicians, administrators, technicians and citizens. It therefore allows to increase knowledge of the main phenomena and their interrelations; to evaluate the effectiveness of the protection strategies in place in accordance with the established regulatory objectives and with the main national, European and international programs; to strengthen the response capacity of the institutions.

World Migratory Bird Day 2025

Saturday, May 10 is World Migratory Bird Day, which this year highlights the relationship between migratory birds and insects in an alarming decline for both. The theme chosen for 2025 is “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities” to highlight the importance of creating safe and sustainable environments for migratory birds to thrive.

These days, on our beaches, it is possible to observe the Kentish Plover again, a small wader that is dedicating itself to nesting. The General Command of the Carabinieri, the ringers and the local associations adhering to the National Committee for the Conservation of the Kentish Plover, have resumed nest monitoring and ringing activities, in compliance with the Birds Directive and the AEWA Agreement on migratory water birds. ISPRA coordinates the ringing project with colored rings visible from a distance and has drawn up the Protocol for the collection of data on the nesting population.

Birds and Infrastructure: mitigating Impacts

Large infrastructures such as wind farms and airports have a significant impact on biodiversity and the environment. In the design of such facilities, it is often overlooked that wind and air are a resource shared by birds. Wind turbines in areas frequented by migratory birds or local species, or aircraft turbines can cause collisions, generating "conflicts" between birds and facilities that are difficult to resolve. During the seminar, experiences and case studies will be discussed, exploring methods to assess and reduce the risk of collisions, sharing planning approaches with institutions and energy producers.

European Parks Day, 24 May 2025. Citizen Science Initiative at Castelli Romani Regional Park

On the occasion of the European Parks Day, May 24, 2025, the National Biodiversity Network participates and supports the Citizen Science initiative promoted by the Castelli Romani Regional Park Authority. The initiative aims to raise awareness among participants of the role that protected areas play in the management of territories for the purpose of conserving biodiversity. The topic of the main European and national regulatory instruments will be addressed - National Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the European Regulation on nature restoration - and how much they recognize the importance of the active involvement of citizens and local communities. Park rangers and ISPRA experts will also illustrate the important contribution made by protected natural areas to nature conservation and the dangers represented by the fragmentation and degradation of natural habitats.

ISPRA at the 26th edition of the Race for the Cure

From Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 May 2025, the largest event dedicated to the prevention and fight against breast cancer returns to Rome: the Race for the Cure, organized by the association “Susan G. Komen Italia”.
The event, which will be held at the Circo Massimo, includes four intense days of events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting health and well-being. During the same days, the Health Village will be operational, where free prevention tests and workshops to promote healthy lifestyles will be offered.

Green Med Expo & Symposium 2025

Green Med offers a rich agenda of events. Its identity-based symposium approach aims to promote dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of know-how among the main players in the green economy landscape. 50 events between organizations, companies, and promoting institutions, over 100 speakers to address environmental challenges together and seize the opportunities of the ecological transition. Sharing but also specialized training for public administration, professionals, and professional orders with credit-granting courses.

A Plan for the Restoration of Nature

Following the entry into force of the Nature Restoration Law, Member States must develop a National Restoration Plan by September 2026. This document is of fundamental importance for the successful implementation of the Regulation. In order to understand the current situation at European level and how this plan will be built and governed at Italian level, Lipu and WWF Italy are organizing a meeting with the major European and National institutions that will intervene to outline an initial updated framework and future actions.

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.

Green Book 2025 - Data on waste management in Italy

The Green Book is the reference monograph for the urban waste sector in Italy. The 2025 edition offers the usual contextual overview, ranging from regulatory aspects to tariffs, up to the economic-financial performance of operators, and includes an updated examination of the tender documentation. A specific focus is dedicated to the theme of recycling chains and energy recovery of the unsorted fraction, fundamental elements to guarantee the closure of the waste cycle.

The value (not only environmental) of biodiversity

During the second stage of the Sustainable Development Festival, at the Palazzo Ducale in Genoa, ASviS organizes a debate between high-profile experts, representatives of institutions and stakeholders, on the centrality of biodiversity, not only in an environmental, but also economic and social perspective. Biodiversity, in fact, represents not only a heritage to be protected, as provided for by the Italian Constitution after the 2022 reform promoted by ASviS, but also a strategic resource for the economy and society.

At Rainews' Futuro24 the Presidential Estate of Castelporziano and the activities of ISPRA

The Presidential Estate of Castelporziano is a natural area that extends for 6000 hectares, reaching the coastline, and is just a few kilometers from the center of Rome. It is a unique territory, covered for a third by one of the few remaining examples of mixed lowland forest. The area is home to many animal species, representing a stopping point for many bird species. There is also a complex community of wild ungulates: roe deer, wild boar, fallow deer and red deer.

Second National Day for the prevention and mitigation of hydrogeological risk

The Second National Day of Prevention and Mitigation of Hydrogeological Risk will focus on the transformations of the territory and the increase in risk factors due to different causes, including climate change.
Particular attention will be paid to the planning tools, at national and local level, of works for the prevention and mitigation of hydrogeological risk as well as to the governance tools of intervention policies in this area

World Bee Day 2025

Bees and other pollinators, such as butterflies, bats and hummingbirds, are increasingly threatened by human activities.

Pollination is, however, a fundamental process for the survival of our ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world's wild flowering plant species depend, entirely or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with over 75% of the world's food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. Pollinators not only contribute directly to food security, but are also essential for the conservation of biodiversity.

Monk Seal: Two Sightings in a Few Days

Over the past week, the monk seal, one of the species most at risk of extinction and strictly protected under the Habitats Directive, has been sighted in the waters between the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area and the Site of Community Interest of the Island of Capri.

ISPRA and the AMP Punta Campanella have started a collaboration to monitor their presence through non-invasive techniques, starting with environmental DNA analysis. The main cause of the reduction in the monk seal population is attributed to voluntary killing by humans and accidental capture with some fishing gear. But also to the repeated disturbance due to excessive human proximity to the places where they rest or where they reproduce and care for their young along the coast, which pushes the animals to abandon the most suitable sites. Understanding which sites they frequent most is of crucial importance to implement conservation actions and ensure the survival of the species.

Finance, Business and Institutions: From Ambition to Action, the First Nature Strategies

On May 20, during the week of the International Day for Biodiversity proclaimed by the United Nations, the national event “Finance, businesses and institutions: from ambition to action, the first Nature Strategies” returns to Milan.

The event is promoted within the Business for Biodiversity Italy network, an initiative that guides businesses towards truly sustainable development models, placing biodiversity at the center of corporate strategies.