News

A new alien in the Italian seas

Red Sea tropical mullet reported by fishermen in Lampedusa

Once again, fishermen prove themselves to be sentinels of the sea by reporting a new alien fish: a mullet endemic to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, Parupeneus forsskali. Its presence in the Mediterranean was first confirmed in 2012 in Lebanon and the species then expanded in the Levant Basin until reaching Tunisia in 2016.

The specimen caught on the island of Lampedusa represents the first discovery of the species in Italian seas. The Red Sea red mullet is characterized by a dark longitudinal band on the upper part of the body and a dark spot near the tail: the fishermen of Lampedusa, recognizing its characteristics, immediately identified the specimen among the native red mullets they had caught and proceeded to freeze it to deliver it to the researchers of ISPRA in Palermo, with whom a fruitful collaboration relationship has been established for decades.

The discovery of the species in Lampedusa is further evidence of the spread of alien species in our seas. ISPRA researchers renew the invitation to report captures and observations of unusual organisms to the institutional email alien@isprambiente.it and when is possibile to preserve the specimens.

Brochure on alien species

Press release (ita)

The ISPRA podcast 'Incontri sulla V.I.A' wins the ANEV journalism award "Giuseppe Pasqualicchio Wind Energy"

The episode "Wind power plants in environmental impact assessment" of the ISPRA Podcast "Incontri sulla V.I.A." was awarded today in Rimini during the Key Energy event. ISPRA won the award in the Radio and Podcast category.
The recognition was awarded for the scientific, cultural and social value in communicating wind energy, highlighting the environmental value of producing electricity from renewable sources, in terms of energy saving, sustainability and the fight against climate change. The award is dedicated to Giuseppe Pasqualicchio, a far-sighted entrepreneur and pioneer of wind power.

Peace with Nature: Research, Organizations and Institutions together

Thanks to its strategic position in the Mediterranean, its varied geomorphology and the extraordinary diversity of habitats, Italy is the European country with the greatest variety of living species and the highest rate of endemic species.

Furthermore, Italy is one of the few nations in the world to have established the defense of biodiversity as a fundamental principle in its Constitution. In February 2022, in fact, the Constitutional Law of 11 February 2022, no. 1 was approved by Parliament, which recognizes an express importance to the protection of the environment, biodiversity and ecosystems in the part dedicated to Fundamental Principles.

The contemporary challenges presented by the biodiversity crisis, which include efforts to address the direct factors that are at the root of the crisis itself, such as the destruction and degradation of habitats, the excessive extraction of biological resources, pollution, invasive alien species and climate change, transcend national borders.

International Day of Forests 2025

The International Day of Forests is celebrated every 21 March and represents a fundamental moment to reflect on the importance of forests for our planet. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, the day aims to highlight the fundamental role that forests play not only in the provision of wood and non-wood products (berries, mushrooms, resins, etc.), but also in the provision of ecosystem services such as erosion control, biodiversity conservation, climate regulation and in providing livelihoods to hundreds of millions of people.
The theme of the 2025 is "Forests and Food", that highlights the crucial role of forests in food security and nutrition.
In addition to providing food, fuel, income and employment, forests support soil fertility, protect water resources and provide habitats for biodiversity. They are essential to the survival of forest-dependent communities, particularly indigenous peoples, and help mitigate climate change by storing carbon.

Women Agriculture Sustainability

The conference, organized by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Waste Cycle of the Municipality of Rome and Noi Rete Donne, will be held on March 25 in the Protomoteca Capitolina hall. The conference will be attended by the General Director of ISPRA, Maria Siclari.

Nature restoration law and European, national and regional strategies for biodiversity conservation

The initiative will focus on the EU Regulation 2024/1991 on nature restoration, an innovative and unique regulation in the world, which is fundamental for the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. This regulation provides binding targets for the restoration of degraded ecosystems, both in protected areas and in agricultural and urban areas, contributing not only to the protection of biodiversity, but also to the fight against the climate crisis and the revitalization of rural areas.

360° ornithology

The meeting, organized by MUSE of Trento, will be an opportunity to raise awareness of the fascinating world of birds that populate the Italian skies, the secrets revealed thanks to new technologies and the latest ornithological studies.

The geological cartography of Italy at 50,000 (CARG Project) continues to be renewed

The press conference entitled: The geological cartography of Italy at 50,000 (CARG Project) continues to be renewed - Presentation of the geological sheets "Castel del Piano" and "Mirandola".

Science and Faith for the care of the Common Home

Inspired by the universal message of the Canticle of Creatures, the event, organized by the Courtyard of San Francesco with the scientific direction of Arpa Umbria and Safa, aims to explore the dialogue between science and faith as a fundamental tool for addressing the global challenges linked to climate change, the protection of biodiversity and the responsible management of natural resources.

Through a constructive discussion between scientific experts, institutional representatives and figures from the business world, the initiative aims to promote a shared and multidisciplinary approach, capable of combining scientific knowledge and ethical vision for a more sustainable future.

Water: the priority of recovery and reuse

The Climate Adaptation Strategy of Rome Capital approved on 14 January 2025 identifies among the priorities the efficient management of water resources and the recovery, reuse and recycling of water as the essential measures to significantly and structurally reduce the consumption of drinking water.

The conference will examine the objectives and challenges to adapt the territory of Rome Capital and water management to a scenario of more frequent and intense climate change and drought and will explore the projects in the field and to be launched to enhance the advanced concept of recovery, reuse and recycling for all compatible uses.

World Wildlife Day 2025

March 3, World Wildlife Day, is the day in which we celebrate the conservation of wild flora and fauna

The invention of the concept of "wild" begins to manifest itself in human culture with the domestication of animals and plants. In the Latin etymology of the two words, silva, forest, is contrasted with domus, house, highlighting the meaning and horizon of values ​​that our culture attributes to these two categories. It should be noted that nowadays, in some of the few human populations of hunter gatherers present in very small and remote areas of our planet this distinction is not linguistically present.

World Wildlife Day (WWD), established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, celebrates "wild" nature. Global phenomena such as the destruction and fragmentation of habitats, pollution, climate change, the introduction of invasive alien species, poaching and trade of wild species, unsustainable hunting and fishing activities are among the main threats to biodiversity of which wild fauna and flora are an integral part. On March 3, 1973, the Washington Convention (CITES) was signed with the aim of regulating, monitoring and prohibiting the trade of plant and animal species at risk of extinction as well as their products and derivatives.

Sustainable Music: environment, community, quality of education and culture

The Ecoritmi Network - composed of the Roma Tre Teatro Palladium Foundation, the Margine Operativo Association, in collaboration with ADUIM - Association of Italian University Music Teachers - is organizing the conference "Sustainable Music: environment, community, quality of training and culture" which will be held at the Teatro Palladium Foundation in Rome between 27 February and 1 March 2025.

The conference aims to explore the potential of music as a tool for change towards sustainability, addressing issues related to the environment, community and the quality of education. Moments of discussion, thematic workshops and round tables will be organised, with the contribution of experts, artists and cultural institutions, to reflect together on the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Brain Health, we are all connected

The Santa Lucia IRCCS Foundation joins the "Brain Week", an international event promoted by the DANA Foundation. Free meetings open to the public will be held from 10 to 15 March to learn how to take care of our most important organ. Among the initiatives organised, the conference "Healthy Brain, we are all connected" organized by the Santa Lucia IRCCS Foundation in collaboration with ISPRA and SPERA will be held on Saturday 15 March in Rome at the European Center for Brain Research.

“Green wire for a sustainable Jubilee” the SNPA events to reflect on ecology, science and faith

In March, on the occasion of World Water Day will start the initative “Green wire for a sustainable Jubilee"  with the first three regional events organized by Arpa Friuli Venezia Giulia, Arpa Liguria and Arpa Umbria (which will start as early as March 20th). This is a series of events which, involving the entire Italian territory at a regional level and, finally, at a national level, with  meetings, seminars, nature trails and city celebrations.

Man, nature and the climate crisis

The Eutopie project, dialogues between science and society for research on human beings was born from the need to create, within the university community, a space for reflection on scientific issues of great social relevance. Between March and June 2025, four monthly debate meetings will take place at the Sapienza University of Rome. Each appointment will see the participation of experts, through whose reports we will try to stimulate open discussion and dialogue with the public.

First Forum on Biodiversity, Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services in the Po District

The Po River District Authority and the Foundation for Sustainable Development are organizing the First Forum on Biodiversity, Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services in the Po District on 12 and 13 March in Milano.

The Po River District Authority and the Foundation for Sustainable Development are collaborating on a research and development project for the valorization of biodiversity in the Po District, aimed at the implementation of territorial policies that combine biodiversity conservation and water protection, also in relation to ongoing climate changes

Environment Forum (II edition)

The event is aimed at exploring legislative innovations in the field of corporate criminal law with a specific focus on the environment, as well as examining the prospects of environmental risk insurance. Organized at Palazzo Giustiniani, the meeting brings together important institutional figures, sector expert professionals and representatives of Italian companies, interested in finding practical solutions and legal tools to manage regulatory changes in environmental matters. A unique opportunity to delve deeper into the implications of the new regulations and prepare for a more sustainable future.

Financial interventions for the competitiveness and sustainability of the agri-food system

The second edition of the study and proposal days on agricultural credit entitled "Financial interventions for the competitiveness and sustainability of the agri-food system" will take place on 25 February at the headquarters of the National Council of Economy and Labor. The event is promoted not only by the Mario Ravà-ETS Foundation, but also by the Italian Banking Association (ABI), by the Council of the National Order of Agronomists and Forestry Doctors (Conaf) and by the Italian Federation of Doctors in Agricultural Sciences and Forestry Sciences (Fidaf).

5th RaStEM Workshop: a support tool for the design of hydrogeological risk mitigation interventions

RaStEM - Standardized Representation of Mitigation Effects - is a web gis tool, developed by ISPRA as part of the activities envisaged by an agreement stipulated with the General Directorate General Directorate for Energy Incentives of MASE and ISPRA, with the dual purpose of guiding designers to a clear and homogeneous representation of the significant elements of a hydrogeological risk mitigation intervention and supporting them in the drafting of projects consistent with the criteria established by current legislation (DPCM 27/09/2021) for their financing by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE).

World Wildlife Day 2025

On 20 December 2013, at its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3 March (day of signing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), World Wildlife Day 2025 to celebrate and make aware public opinion on animals and wild plants of the world.

The international day 2025 “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet" explores how we can work together to make our current insufficient financial flows more effective and sustainable to build a resilient future for both people and the planet.

With over 1 million species estimated to be threatened with extinction, and facing the intensifying triple planetary crisis, innovative finance for wildlife conservation is more urgent than ever. More than half of the world’s GDP is dependent on nature, making biodiversity loss a significant threat to financial stability.

World Wildlife Day 2025 will serve as a platform for exchange and exploration of innovative financial solutions for wildlife conservation. It will showcase financial innovations, the challenges faced by civil society, governments, organisations, and the private sector, and the collaborative approaches needed to ensure sustainable funding for biodiversity.

Management of drought risk and water crises

The webinar "Management of drought risk and water crises" is the third meeting organized by the Italian Hydrological Society as part of the «Lino Versace» Webinar Cycle on applied hydrology.
An ISPRA researcher will participate in the meeting.

Knowledge the territory - Cartoon Geosciences IR

Knowledge the territory is essential to develop good land management practices, reduce risks, consciously manage natural resources, guarantee the safety of citizens. This knowledge is developed thanks to the most advanced technologies that allow the acquisition of highly detailed data on the earth's surface and underground and the construction of three-dimensional (3D) geological models.

What are they, how are they built, why are 3D geological models of the subsurface so important and where can we find them?
The videos answer these questions, illustrating in a simple way how underground geological and geophysical data are collected, analyzed and processed, how the software that allows geologists to build 3D geological models work, why they are so important for technicians, decision-makers and citizens, and how the GeoSciences IR infrastructure and its Geo-IT3D node allow the retrieval of geological and geothematic data in open format.

Watch the video (ita)

Hydroelectric: a value for Italy

The event will bring together representatives of institutions, politicians, regions, trade unions and other sector associations in a debate on the Italian hydroelectric sector, a strategic sector for national security and energy independence that generates programmable renewable electricity and creates significant benefits for citizens and businesses in terms of reducing energy costs, protecting territories and developing the economy.

CIRO Roadshow 2025

Data, strategies and good practices to guide the transition of the Italian regions

CIRO is the database that collects data on the climate performance of the Italian regions.
The Italian Regions, key players in the climate and energy transition, will be protagonists of the CIRO Roadshow 2025, an event organized on 6 March by Italy for Climate within Key - The Energy Transition Expo.
During the event, the new edition of the CIRO 2025 database will be presented, developed by Italy for Climate in collaboration with ISPRA, launched for the first time last year and part of the SISTAN (National Statistical System

The landscape and beauty of our cities. Is planting trees easy and right?

On 19 February 2025, as part of the Myplant & Garden (International Green Expo) event at the Milan - Rho fair, will take place the conference "The landscape and beauty of our cities. Is planting trees easy and right?" with he participation of operators and experts in the sector at an international, national and local level.
ISPRA will illustrate the PNRR-PNC project "The good use of green and blue spaces for the promotion of health and well-being", started in 2023 and implemented with the technical and financial support of the Ministry of Health.

TETHYS4ADRION project

Enhancing Cross-Border Cooperation for Riverine Plastic Litter Reduction in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas
The TETHYS4ADRION project studies the role of rivers in the spread of plastic pollution in the Adriatic-Ionian region, and has the general objective of developing mitigation strategies in order to reduce the input of waste from waterways to the sea.
The project will develop operational solutions that combat river plastic pollution by restoring the integrity of river ecosystems. Best practices to address the problem will be identified, which will be tested and validated through the collaboration of all stakeholders involved in the pilot areas.

ISPRA is partner of the project

BiodiversiTalk#6 -Research on the Green Plans

Series of seminars part of the Spoke 5 research activities of the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC)
The BiodiversiTalks series of seminars aims to stimulate discussion and fuel the research activities of Spoke 5 of the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), offering reflections and good practices to understand how plans, projects and co-creation processes can contribute to conserving and increasing biodiversity in urban contexts.

The PNRR-MER at the Eudi Show in Bologna: an "environmental restoration" to save our seabed from ghost nets

Ghost nets suffocate our seas. At the Eudi Show in Bologna, the most important event in Italy dedicated to the world of diving, Cecilia Silvestri of ISPRA, on 22 February, will illustrate the initiatives for the recovery of ghost nets envisaged in the PNRR-MER project, the largest PNRR program on the restoration of habitats and seabeds.

The recovery of ghost networks represents a true "environmental restoration". In fact, the technical underwater operators dive with meticulousness and respect towards the submerged heritage, freeing the seabed from abandoned nets that damage precious ecosystems.

The protection of marine ecosystems, the techniques for removing the so-called 'ghost nets' - missing or abandoned fishing tools that continue to trap marine fauna - will be at the center of the intervention of the ISPRA researcher. Thanks to the initiatives launched as part of the PNRR-MER project, the joint commitment of institutions, sector operators and volunteers, the aim is to recover and recycle these nets, thus giving new life to the seabed and protecting biodiversity.

Climathon Ferrara

In the whole of the Progetto USAGE the Municipality of Ferrara is organizing next 21 March a real marathon of ideas to explore climate data and solve the city's most urgent challenges. In collaboration with Deda Next, EIT Climate-KIC, The Lisbon Council, Sipro and Laboratorio Aperto Ferrara.

The event represents a unique opportunity to co-design - together with experts and professionals, environmental and climate data specialists, university students and researchers, members of associations and citizens - new tools, processes and solutions to address the most urgent climate challenges (heat islands, flooding from intense rainfall, loss of biodiversity).

New web site Copernicus-Italia.it

The new web site www.copernicus-italia.it dedicated to national activities in the context of the developments of the European Copernicus Earth Observation Program is online, providing complete, free and open access to data and information deriving from the integration of satellite data with in situ data and forecast models.