News

Efficiency and decarbonization indicators in Italy and in the biggest European Countries – Edition 2025

National trends of energy and economic indicators have been analysed in relation to greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. The analysis of efficiency and decarbonisation indicators at sectoral level was also carried out, with particular attention to sub-sectors of industry. The role of driving factors for GHGs trends has been analyzed, such as economic growth, fossil and renewable energy, transformation efficiency, carbon and energy intensities.

Drones, advanced research, and business: innovation at the service of public administration

Cutting-edge technologies, drones, and intelligent software are transforming the way public administration addresses challenges related to environmental monitoring, security, and operational efficiency. This and much more will be discussed at the conference "Drones, Advanced Research, and Business: Innovation at the Service of Public Administration," scheduled for September 16th at the ENEA Research Center in Brasimone (BO).

ISPRA inaugurates the sixth edition of the Summer School of Geomorphology, Ecology and Biology in marine and island environments

A laboratory for students, PhD candidates, graduates, and young researchers that combines advanced training, interdisciplinary research, and policies for the protection of marine resources.

The sixth edition of the Summer School of Geomorphology, Ecology, and Biology in Marine and Island Environments was officially opened in the presence of the Mayor of Procida, the Director General of ISPRA, Maria Siclari, the Director of the Regno di Nettuno Marine Protected Area, the Director of ARPA Campania, Stefano Sorvino, the representative of the Italian Geological Society, Fabiano Gamberi, the Director of the Vivara State Nature Reserve, Nicola Scotto di Carlo, and Giordano Giorgi, Head of the ISPRA National Center for Environmental Characterization and Coastal Protection, Marine Climatology, and Operational Oceanography. The event is promoted by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA) in collaboration with Sapienza University of Rome and the University of Chieti-Pescara.

As per tradition, the aim of the event is to provide advanced training, hands-on field experience, and opportunities for exchange between young researchers and professors from different institutions.

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.

The 6th Report on the State of Natural Capital has been approved

The sixth Report on the State of Natural Capital has been definitively approved and submitted to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Economy. The Report contains useful information for the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources, providing an integrated annual report, both physical and monetary, on Natural Capital and promoting environmental accounting at the national level.

The purpose of the report is to highlight the role of Italian Natural Capital in the country's socioeconomic system, developing conceptual frameworks, improving knowledge, and refining models for measuring Natural Capital and the impacts of policies on it.

RiscARTI 2025

International Festival of Artistic Recycling
Riscarti is a multidisciplinary "container" for turning waste materials into useful goods, works of art, and design. Contributions, reflections, and best practices for a conscious culture of sustainability.

ISPRA makes the Geological Cartography of Italy available online at a scale of 1:100,000

The entire collection of 1:100,000-scale geological cartography is available for download in high resolution. The collection, which includes both first and second editions of the geological sheets, is accessible through the ISPRA Library's OPAC catalog.

Users can browse the OPAC catalog to search for and download individual sheets in raster format. Where available, the corresponding Explanatory Notes can also be downloaded.

Ancient Forests and Old Trees: a Treasure of Nature, Life, and Culture

Old-growth forests are unique ecosystems, characterized by high structural and functional heterogeneity, with features that develop over decades and centuries. They are therefore of exceptional and irreplaceable importance, being forests where human disturbance is absent or negligible, and which host a truly unique flora and fauna. Moreover, they represent valuable carbon reservoirs and are essential for studying the impacts of climate change in areas where human influence is minimal

European toolkit for nature protection

The European Commission has developed practical support for teachers to guide students in their discovery of nature: biodiversity, species, habitats, ecosystems, and Europe's natural heritage.

The European Toolkit for Nature Protection is aimed at students aged 13 to 16 throughout the European Union and can be used in schools and non-formal educational settings, such as history museums or environmental education centers.

E-learning courses for transversal skills and career guidance 2025-2026

ISPRA will offer students in the final three years of secondary school a range of courses for transversal skills and orientation, available remotely and asynchronously through its online platform, which is part of the Ministry of Education's Regeneration School Plan.

ISPRA joins the LIFE MAPPER Project

Guidelines for MAPping, ProtEcting, and Restoring Marine Ecosystems

LIFE MAPPER initiative seeks to consolidate current knowledge and best practices in marine habitat mapping and restoration

EU ETS: Perspectives and Opportunities for the Decarbonization of the Maritime Sector

The event is dedicated to the extension of the European Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to maritime transport. It is organized by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security in collaboration with the Port System Authority of the Western Sicilian Sea.

National and European experts will present the new regulatory framework and the funding opportunities for projects aimed at decarbonizing the sector, with a particular focus on the Innovation Fund.

Restoration Economy: Businesses Leading the Redevelopment of Territories

The event aims to shed light on the crucial role that businesses can play in the transition towards a nature-positive economy, by integrating biodiversity and natural capital into corporate strategies and reporting systems.

Discussions will cover international initiatives that are carrying out major ecosystem restoration projects through collaboration between public and private actors, as well as ways to access funding to take action in support of nature.

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.

22nd Italian Ornithological Conference

The conference features a comprehensive program of presentations, symposia, and roundtable discussions. Key topics include new monitoring technologies, such as GPS tracking systems, acoustic sensors, remote video surveillance tools, and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms for data analysis. These approaches enable significant advances in the study of the behavior, migration, and conservation status of avian populations.

Solar Energy and Agriculture: An Alliance for the Future of the Region

The meeting will be held on September 26th as part of Eco Sanfra, a cultural event focusing on economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The event celebrates and reflects on the elements of St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Creatures, widely considered the first environmental manifesto ever written.

The theme of the second edition is "Brother Sun" and solar energy as the sole and irreplaceable source of life for the planet and humanity.

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.

European Mobility Week 2025

European Mobility Week, the European Commission's annual campaign to promote more sustainable urban mobility, returns from September 16 to 22, 2025. This year's theme, "Mobility for All," emphasizes the importance of ensuring accessible, safe, and inclusive transport for all citizens, regardless of income, location, gender, or ability.

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.

For the first time in Sicily, a Golden Eagle chick from a natural nest has been “tagged” for scientific purposes

The study of the interactions between the Bonelli’s Eagle and the Golden Eagle becomes a reality in Sicily and Sardinia thanks to satellite GPS transmitters placed on the raptors. A webcam, installed near the nest in the Nebrodi Park and constantly monitored by researchers, provides live streaming of the chick’s extraordinary life, publicly accessible online.

ISPRA is conducting research on the ecological interaction between the Golden Eagle and the Bonelli’s Eagle in the Mediterranean, within the framework of the LIFE Abilas project on the reintroduction of the Bonelli’s Eagle in Sardinia. The results of this study will make it possible to highlight possible differences in dispersal strategies and spatial distribution, as well as the potential areas of overlap between the two species, in order to develop the best conservation strategies.

Observe and report the flora and fauna around you even on holiday!

Participate in the "Biodiversity in Pose" initiative of the ISPRA National Biodiversity Network, dedicated to collecting and sharing observations of fauna, flora, and the natural environment made by citizens.

"Biodiversity in Posa" offers anyone interested the opportunity, through its connection to the iNaturalist app, to share reports of nature images taken by both professionals and amateurs with the Network at any time, thus providing a data entry channel.

Lead, a poison without borders

International conference on the effects of lead in hunting ammunition on wild birds, the environment, and human health
The event is organized by the Association for Ornithological Studies and Ecological Research of Friuli Venezia Giulia (APS) - in collaboration with the Italian Center for Ornithological Studies, the Vulture Conservation Foundation, the Julian Prealps Natural Park, and the Cornino Lake Nature Reserve.

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.

MER Project – Coastal Mapping: Exploring the Submerged Wonders of the Baia Archaeological Park

Just off the coast of Naples, beneath the tranquil waters of Baiae, lies one of the Mediterranean's most fascinating underwater treasures: the Baiae Underwater Archaeological Park. This unique site offers an extraordinary glimpse into ancient Roman civilization, now lying between 5 and 13 meters below sea level.

Once a luxurious resort for the Roman aristocracy, Baiae was renowned for its opulence and thermal baths. Over the centuries, volcanic activity and coastal subsidence gradually caused part of the city to sink beneath the sea. Today, the underwater park preserves the remains of Lacus Baianus and Portus Julius, two important ports of the Roman Empire. To the west, the port of Cape Misenum served as a base for the Roman imperial fleet.

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.

Undersea mountains: treasure troves of biodiversity and natural laboratories for geological research.

Due to their ecological importance and vulnerability to human impacts, seamounts are a priority for marine conservation. These submerged mountains are true biodiversity hotspots, with unique ecosystems home to coral forests, sponges, invertebrates, and numerous fish species.

From a geological perspective, seamounts are of extreme interest for several reasons: the potential presence of geomineral resources, such as strategic mineral deposits; geothermal energy sources, resulting from underwater volcanic activity; and the assessment of the risk of seismic events and landslides, which can affect the stability of the seabed and coastal areas.

The geophysical surveys conducted during the PNRR MER oceanographic campaign provide an essential knowledge base for planning further exploration campaigns. Thanks to the use of sustainable research methods, it will be possible to further study these environments while minimizing the impact on deep-sea ecosystems.

Special reopening of the Salone delle Scienze

Participate in the final stages of the ongoing installation of the new ISPRA Collections itinerary.

Starting July 30, 2025, the Museum of Civilizations invites the public to a unique experience: crossing the threshold of a veritable construction site, witnessing firsthand and in real time the final stages of the ongoing installation of one of its most important scientific collections.

The exhibition currently taking shape in the Hall of Sciences of the Palazzo delle Scienze features ISPRA's Paleontological and Litho-mineralogical Collections. This exceptional collection, comprising over 150,000 specimens, including animal and plant fossils, rock and mineral samples, scientific instruments, geological surveys, busts, portraits, relics, and documents, is scheduled for inauguration on October 3rd.

ISPRA at the Rimini Meeting

The 46th edition of the Rimini Meeting will be held from August 22nd to 27th at the Rimini Fair. This year's event's theme is: "In deserted places we will build with new bricks." The quote, taken from the Choruses from "The Rock" by T.S. Eliot, primarily expresses the hope for something new within the drama of history, the desire to build together places where we can share research and the experience of what is true, good, and just.

ISPRA will have a stand in the Environment area created by MASE together with all the national research institutions and will participate, with its researchers, in the talks held in the MASE space.

COP 15 on the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands

Four Italian wetlands have been recognized as being of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

The Conference of the Parties (COP15 Ramsar) is currently underway at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, to develop a new strategy for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

The theme chosen for COP15 is "Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future." The conference highlights the essential role that wetlands play in sustaining biodiversity, supporting climate resilience and water security, and thus supporting economic development and human well-being.

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.