Nature and Biodiversity

The volume, tenth and last in the series dedicated to the study of some of the Italian fruit varieties, deals with the case studies of Marche and Tuscany. For both regions, in the initial chapters, historical notes are provided relating to fruit growing, agricultural landscape, and the various initiatives aimed at the recovery, protection and valorisation of genetic resources still present in the form of fruit varieties that are rarely grown and at risk of disappearing.

This book of the “Nature and Biodiversity” series is the result of an agreement between ISPRA, ARPA Umbria, the University of Perugia and the Perugino Naturalistic Mycological Center stipulated in 2021.

The growing attention of citizens with respect to exposure to chemicals has prompted ISPRA to investigate the issue of biocidal products, in particular the use against the tiger mosquito, an insect well known for its widespread adaptation in our cities.  

Animal pollinators, in particular bees, are of great importance in supporting structure, composition and functioning of natural and semi-natural habitats, including farmlands and peri-urban contexts. Almost 90% of the wild plants that bloom and over 75% of the main existing agricultural crops require animal pollination in terms of production, yield and product quality. Managed as well as solitary bees thus guarantee fundamental support for human society and activities.

This collection “Memories of the Fungi Special Project” is part of the ISPRA Notebooks dedicated to Nature and Biodiversity. It contains five volumes whose texts were elaborated, drafted and concluded before August 2019

2020 has been referred to as a “Nature Super Year” by United Nations with the goal it could be the year where we turn the tide on deforestation and forestry loss.

Almost 90% of the wild flowering plants and over 75% of the main agricultural crops require animal pollination for production, yield and quality of the produces. They are essential for human and (wild and domesticated) animal nutrition, but also for the production of fibers, building materials and biomass for energy, and support for the conservation of biological diversity, which represents the basis of our existence and our economies.