News

The project PNRR MER in the Italian Tv channel TG1

The Director General of ISPRA, Maria Siclari, was a guest this morning on TG1 to talk about the activities of the MER - Marine Ecosystem Restoration Project.

MER is the largest project on the sea as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which sees ISPRA as the implementing body and the Ministry for the Environment and Energy Security as the administration in charge of the 400 million Euro financing for 2022- 2026. The MER provides for interventions for the restoration and protection of the seabed and marine habitats, the strengthening of the national observation system of marine and coastal ecosystems and the mapping of coastal and marine habitats of conservation interest in Italian waters with the acquisition of a new naval oceanographic unit, equipped with highly technological equipment capable of probing the seabed up to 4000 m and very high resolution acoustic instrumentation.

Video

Urban Geo-climate Footprint -Trailer documentary

Urban Geo-climate Footprint (UGF) allows to measure how much the geological context on which a city is built interferes with the urban fabric and, consequently, provides useful information to understand how much it can do to adapt, minimizing unwanted effects.
The tool that allows this assessment to be carried out was designed by ISPRA, in collaboration with other European Geological Services, within the EuroGeoSurveys (EGS) organisation, the federation of European Geological Services, and in particular in the Urban Geology Expert Group ( UGEG).

The documentary trailer was produced in various European cities participating in the Urban Geo-climate Footprint (UGF) project. The UGF approach, with the motto "Aware, Prepared and Safe!", aims to stimulate the growth of citizens' awareness of the critical geological issues present in the territory of their cities.

A Review of the Available Tools for Identifying Key Areas for Cetaceans and Marine Turtles: A New Study by ISPRA and the University of Rome La Sapienza

Cetaceans and turtles travel great distances in the ocean and, since they often remain below the surface, gathering data about them is challenging. To address this, marine biologists frequently use species distribution models, essential mathematical tools that help predict the distribution of marine animals even in areas lacking data. To create these models, three fundamental components are necessary: species presence data, environmental data, an algorithm that describes the relationship between the species and its habitat.

Waste from Economic Activities: in 2022 production fell by 2.1%

The new edition of the ISPRA Report is online

In 2022, the conflict in Ukraine and the energy crisis negatively affected the Italian economy, causing a reduction in the production of waste from economic activities compared to 2021. Industrial, commercial, artisan, service, waste treatment and environmental remediation activities they generated a total of 161.4 million tonnes of waste from economic activities, recording a decrease of 2.1%, equivalent to over 3.4 million tonnes less compared to the previous year.

From the data collected in the latest Special Waste Report, now in its twenty-third edition, it is noted that once again it is the construction and demolition sector - with almost 80.8 million tonnes - that with the greatest total production of special waste, competing for 50% of the overall production.

Non-hazardous waste, which represents 93.8% of the total waste produced, fell by 2.7 million tonnes (-1.8%) and hazardous waste followed the same trend, decreasing by almost 680 thousand tonnes (-6, 4%). The overall figure sees non-hazardous special waste amounting to 151.4 million tonnes and dangerous waste to almost 10 million tonnes.

It is the manufacturing sector that has the greatest impact on the production of hazardous waste with 37.3%, corresponding to 3.7 million tonnes.

Infographic

Report on Waste from Economic Activities - 2024

Report on Waste from Economic Activities - 2024. Synthesis data

Online on 18th July the Report on Waste from Economic Activities - Edition 2024

The Report on Waste from Economic Activities, now in its twenty-third edition, is the result of a complex activity of collection, analysis and processing of data by the National Centre for Waste and Circular Economy of ISPRA, with the contribution of regional and provincial Environmental Protection Agencies. The Report implements a specific task required by article 189, of legislative decree. n. 152 of 3th April 2006

Extreme events map in Italy by ISPRA

Floods, heat waves, droughts: the ISPRA extreme events map in Italy updated with information on 2023.

Alien species in our seas

The biodiversity of the Mediterranean Sea is constantly evolving, colonized by range-expanding species that arrive through natural corridors, such as the Strait of Gibraltar, and by non-indigenous species or alien species that are introduced by anthropic activities or arrive through artificial corridors such as the Suez passage; some of these species can also be dangerous to human health as they are toxic for consumption or poisonous on contact.

In order to provide support to sea users for the recognition of new species potentially observable and fishable in our seas, including those dangerous to human health, a new booklet has been created, an updated version of the 2021 edition.

Any reports that will be sent to researchers will also contribute to monitoring the distribution and spread of these species in our waters.

Nesting of the Kentish plover

The plover Charadrius alexandrinus is a small cosmopolitan wader that prefers the shores of the sea and lakes, estuaries, salt marshes and brackish lagoons for reproduction.
The Kentish plover's nest is a simple hole in the sand where the female generally lays three eggs which are incubated for almost a month. Male and female alternate in brooding with long shifts of about 12 hours.

Land take: web application for sharing preliminary data from monitoring activities

ISPRA and the National System for Environmental Protection (SNPA) reserve for the operators of Municipalities and Observatories of the Regions and autonomous Provinces the consultation of the preliminary data deriving from land take monitoring, to make the national data updating process increasingly effective and participatory.

Ministerial Conference of the G7 Science and Technology "Health and coastal resilience of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean"

The ministerial conference of the G7 Science and Technology entitled "Health and coastal resilience of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Ocean" took place on 11 July in the spaces of the Tecnopolo of Bologna.
The event, organized by the Ministry of University and Research in concert with the European Commission as part of the Italian Presidency of the G7, turned the spotlight on the topic of health and resilience to extreme climate events in the coastal environments of the macro-region Mediterranean and Atlantic.

Celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Guardia di Finanza

"The Mediterranean, with its biodiversity, its historical, cultural, energetic and geopolitical importance, deserves our most concrete commitment, also in view of the establishment of Exclusive Economic Zones, growth opportunities for the blue economy" - so the President ISPRA, Stefano Laporta, who spoke yesterday at the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Guardia di Finanza.
"With the PNRR MER project, ISPRA is carrying out an ambitious plan for the protection of our sea. Collaboration with the Guardia di Finanza is important to achieve our objectives" said the ISPRA President.

Presentation of the first hydrogeological map of the island of Ischia

On Tuesday 16 July, in the Council Room of the Municipality of Lacco Ameno (Ischia, NA), the presentation of the first Hydrogeological Map of the Island of Ischia will be held.

The new Map is the result of the rigorous and accurate work of the experts of the Vesuvian Observatory of the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV-OV) and of the Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences (UniNA - DiSTAR) of University of Napoli Federico II, represents an essential tool for understanding and managing the island's territory.

GeoSciences IR. A Research Infrastructure for the Italian Geological Services Network

The GeoSciences IR project financed by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan - PNRR has the objective of developing a research infrastructure designed to meet the needs of the Regional Geological Services. The project is carried out by a consortium made up of 3 research institutes and 13 universities, led by ISPRA, the Geological Survey of Italy. The infrastructure will provide for at least ten years open access to data, services, tools and e-learning modules relating to 12 topics in the field of geological sciences, identified as priorities by the Regional Geological Services, target users of the infrastructure. Among these: i) geological and geothematic mapping, 3D modeling and marine geology; ii) mapping, monitoring and management of geological risks; iii) exploration, exploitation and sustainability of georesources.

PNRR-PNIEC Commission of MASE. Mid-term budget and prospects for Italian permitting

The PNRR PNIEC Technical Commission of MASE is the body that carries out the environmental assessment functions under state responsibility of the projects included in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and of the implementation projects of the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) .

The conference, which will be held on 16 July at the University of Naples Federico II, will be an opportunity to analyze the Commission's mid-term budget and identify the activities aimed at obtaining the necessary authorizations to carry out the projects.

From marine plankton, microorganisms capable of degrading bioplastics

For the first time, thanks to the collaboration with the University of Pisa (Departments of Civil and Industrial Engineering and Biology), Aquarium-Costa Edutainment S.p.A, Azienda Servizi Ambientali ASA SpA of Livorno, Zhejiang Ocean University (ZJOU) and the joint Sino-Italian Laboratory ZJOU-ISPRA, it has been demonstrated that the microbiome associated with plankton, reared in the ISPRA laboratories, is able to metabolise plastics used in the marine environment, in a relatively short time and at ambient temperature. These encouraging results lead to new hypotheses for the biotechnological utilisation of marine plankton, particularly in the fight against bioplastic pollution and the transformation of contaminated marine matrices (bioremediation).

International Mediterranean Sea Day

The Mediterranean is a sea of ​​wonders, history, culture and beauty to be protected and enhanced: a heritage that is celebrated on 8 July through an International Day. With the PNRR's MER (Marine Ecosystem Restoration) project, ISPRA is building a laboratory to map, restore and protect one of the richest - and most fragile - marine ecosystems on our planet with the aim of safeguarding its biodiversity and handing it over to future generations .
The mapping of coastal habitats is already being developed thanks to the LiDAR sensor, one of the pillars on which this program is based which intends to trace the seabed on 7,500 km of coast, surveying over 70 seamounts and investigating remote and unknown areas.
Another highlight: the new oceanographic vessel, the result of joint work carried out thanks to the precious collaboration with the Navy, which will be able to carry out monitoring activities in deep waters.
To support monitoring activities, ISPRA is building the Mobile Oceanographic Research Unit (UMRO), a sentinel van, to monitor the state of the sea, the field of surface currents and measurement of the depth of the coastal seabed.
The strengthening of sea level measuring stations in the lagoons of Venice and Marano Grado is also underway to predict extreme events and support coastal risk management.
All data collected will be accessible through an information platform, allowing mitigation measures to be planned to address the challenges posed by climate change in the Mediterranean Sea

Rome: walking in geodiversity

On 6 October 2023, on the occasion of the second International Day of Geodiversity proclaimed by UNESCO, ISPRA together with the Italian Society of Environmental Geology organized the urban excursion "Rome: walking in geodiversity". The video shows only some of the themes and geosites visited during the urban excursion. The visits with the classes of the Marcello Malpighi Scientific High School will continue in the coming months. This activity is part of the GeoSciencesIR Project in WP2 which also deals with the valorization of the Geological Heritage and the catalog of Italian Geosites.

How can Europe stay on course towards sustainability despite shocks and crises?

The new report “Europe's Sustainability Transitions Outlook”, published by the European Environment Agency (EEA), highlights the need to further align European economic, social and security policies with climate and environmental objectives. The report highlights the need to adopt a broader vision on priorities such as security, competitiveness or fairness. It recognizes that Europe's socio-economic systems and the well-being of its citizens are crucially dependent on a healthy and resilient natural environment, a stable climate and long-term sustainable use of resources.

Presentation of the ISPRA documentary "The sand house"

On 13 July in Senigallia there will be the presentation of the documentary made by ISPRA on the Kentish plover, one of the most threatened coastal nesting species.
The documentary "The Sand House" describes the monitoring and scientific research activities carried out by ISPRA in collaboration with the ringers, the local associations of the National Committee for the Conservation of the Kentish Plover and the General Command of the Carabinieri.

Renewable Energy Forum – Renewable Thinking

The 2nd Edition of the Renewable Energy Forum - Renewable Thinking brings together experts and professionals in the sector to discuss the most recent innovations and developments in the field of sustainable energy transition in order to highlight the potential opportunities for the development of renewables in Italy.
"At the center of COP28 last December, there was the drafting of the first Global Stocktake, the global inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and removals, the mechanism for evaluating the progress achieved at a global level in response to the climate crisis and the measures of the Paris Agreement, which covered the full scope of climate issues; criticizes the situation for energy, transport and nature conservation, but the approach is changing and today we see the commitment to address them jointly, helping to accelerate the process of energy production from renewable sources" is what ISPRA President Stefano Laporta declared, speaking at the COP28 session and the challenges of climate change.

Objective 30x30 - Protect 30 percent of Italian seas by 2030

"Mare Caldo" the new report by Greenpeace Italia presented

The results of the report were presented this morning in Genoa, on board the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise, during the conference “Objective 30x30 - Protect 30 percent of Italian seas by 2030” organized as part of the “There is di mezzo il mare”, on the eve of International Mediterranean Sea Day which will take place on 8 July.

Forest fires in 2023: areas affected by fires decreasing in the north and centre, increasing in the southern regions and islands

Burned more than 36% surfaces compared to last year

During 2023, Italy was hit by forest fires covering a total area of ​​1073 Km²

The fires that occurred in Italy in 2023 were significant both for the overall extension of the areas affected (only smaller than 2021 in the last six years) and because they systematically affected only some provinces. The numbers are increasing compared to 2022, especially for total burned areas (+36%), and to a lesser extent for forestry areas alone (burned +6%).

Geological walks with ISPRA - Tor Caldara

Visit to the Tor Caldara Regional Nature Reserve, accompanied by ISPRA researchers, in an area where sulfur was extracted already in Roman times
A walk in the ancient coastal forests of holm oaks, oaks and cork trees, through geology, nature and history, until you reach the sea. The Tor Caldara Nature Reserve is located south of Rome, between Anzio and Lavinio, and represents a geological-environmental treasure chest of unique value. The area constitutes a rare testimony of the ancient coastal forests along the coast of southern Lazio and until recently was exploited for sulfur mining, the presence of which is linked to the secondary activity of the Lazio volcanic district. The excursion led visitors to discover the geological and environmental characteristics of the Reserve, which is particularly suitable for educational purposes due to the spectacular secondary volcanic phenomena still active and the naturalistic importance of the habitats present

National Conference EcoForum - XI edition

Legambiente, Nuova Ecologia and Kyoto Club, in collaboration with Conai and CONOU, with the patronage of MASE and the Lazio Region, organize the eleventh edition of EcoForum, the national conference on the circular economy. At the end of the two days of work, the thirty-first edition of Comuni Ricicloni takes place, the awards ceremony for the Free Waste Municipalities.

The monk seal in the Tuscan Archipelago: past and present

As part of the "La natura al centro" Festival, a conference dedicated to the monk seal in the Tuscan Archipelago will be held on 27 June.
ISPRA researchers will illustrate the characteristics of this rare marine mammal, of which fewer than 700 specimens survive in the wild, which in recent years has returned to the waters of the Archipelago.

III workshop of SETAC ILB

The 3rd SETAC ILB workshop will take place in Milan from 7 to 8 October 2024.
The Italian Language Branch (ILB) of SETAC is the Italian language section of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), a global non-profit organization dedicated to the study, analysis and solutions of environmental problems, management and regulation of resources natural resources, research and development, as well as environmental education.
SETAC ILB is a forum for discussion, exchange of ideas and dialogue between research institutions, environmental authorities and industries, which promotes the application of scientific knowledge to environmental policy.
For the 3rd workshop, oral and poster presentations are planned in various sessions related to SETAC themes. The scientific committee, made up of members of the Universities of Milan, Siena and Bologna, ISS, CNR-IRSA, ISPRA and Corteva agriscience, will evaluate the abstracts of the contributions which must be received no later than Monday 1 July 2024, following the instructions in the form registration form downloadable from the website SETAC ILB.

Presentation of the 2024 Ecomafia Report

Thirty years after the first Ecomafia Report, on 11 July the version updated to 2024 of the Legambiente Report will be presented, which recounts the numbers of environmental crime in Italy.
The volume presents the data collected by law enforcement agencies and port authorities on ecoregions in Italy in the last year. From the illegal cement cycle to the waste cycle (this year with a focus on e-waste, waste from electrical and electronic equipment). From crimes against animals, such as international trafficking of protected species, to crimes that damage archaeological finds, up to the illegal trade of refrigerant gases.

Desertification and drought day 2024. Annex IV regional event

Hungary, in its role as Chair of the countries included in the Northern Mediterranean Annex IV of the UNCCD, organized an online event in the context of the celebrations of the World Desertification Day and the thirtieth anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification which took place will be held on June 24th.

Soil health between consumption and degradation: European policies for the commons

ISPRA and the Tor Vergata University, as part of the collaboration on the topic of environmental sustainability in land use and territorial planning, are organizing a first scientific comparison seminar to highlight the relationship between policies, regulations and conditions of the soil.
In-depth analyzes of national, European and international experiences are expected, with reference to the aspects of land degradation, desertification risk, provision of soil ecosystem services, land consumption and sustainable use, with particular reference to target 15.3.1 of the sustainable development objectives ( Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.

Critical raw materials law decree, the role of ISPRA

Approved on 20 June in the Council of Ministers, the Legislative Decree on the management of critical raw materials which adapts the national system to the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024. The Legislative Decree introduces urgent provisions to ensure a safe and sustainable supply of critical raw materials.