Events and News

Invasive alien species: state of knowledge and management interventions

The event is aimed at the scientific community, technicians of local authorities and protected areas, and university students.

The introductory interventions will be carried out by the competent regional sector, by ISPRA for its role in the fight against invasive species and by the Lombardy Region which, as lead partner of Life NatConnect 2030, will illustrate the contribution of the project in the Po basin area.

NET Scienzainsieme. Scientific aperitif "Alien species: what they are, why fear them and how we can stop them"

Aliens are among us. It's not a science fiction film, but our reality. What do we know about them? What can we do in our daily lives to limit its impacts? Dr. Piero Genovesi, ISPRA researcher and scientific communicator, will accompany us on a journey to discover alien species, to increase our awareness of the risks associated with their introduction and spread. Dr. will also participate in the event. Giovanni Raimondi, scientific curator of the Livorno aquarium, who will delve into the topic of marine alien species along the Tuscan coasts.

Urban ornithological atlases workshop

Two days of study on ornithological atlases will be held on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November 2024 at the Natural History Museum of Cremona, with the participation of scholars from organizations, universities and institutes from all of  Italy.
A very important tool for understanding the urban environment and the delicate balances that regulate this complex ecosystem, ornithological atlases allow us to initiate land development management that is attentive to the conservation of emergencies and the naturalistic value of individual cities

Final event Life Perdix

The LIFE Perdix project is coming to an end after six years of intense work. During the project, individuals of Gray Partridge were genetically selected and reintroduced into the “Valle del Mezzano” SPA, forming a stable and reproductive population.

The final conference will take place over two days, during which the results obtained will be illustrated.

Green and health are the future of our cities

On November 28th in Randazzo (Catania) a conference to talk about urban green management with particular attention to the changes introduced by the new public procurement code. There will be a dialogue between the institutions and those who work for the maintenance and creation of urban and extra-urban greenery, historic gardens, parks and landscape. The event is part of a series of events entitled "Green and health are the future of our cities" which started from Napoli, passing through Milano, Roma, Torino and Bari.

Discovering the ancient oaks of Cerquone. The species registered in the List of monumental trees of Italy

The National Biodiversity Network (NNB) of ISPRA, in collaboration with the Castelli Romani Regional Park Authority, is promoting a day open to the public on 23 November dedicated to visiting the old oaks (Quercus robur L., 1753) present in the woods of “Cerquone”: a naturalistic oasis rich in biodiversity located within the Castelli Romani Park.
The initiative is part of the National Tree Day and has the aim of promoting knowledge of the two arboreal specimens present in the territory registered and included in the list of monumental trees in Italy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and of forests (Masaf). The list lists the specimens that stand out for their biological and ecological value, based on the age, size, morphology, rarity of the species or habitat for some animal species, but also for their importance from a historical-cultural point of view. and for their ability to characterize the landscape both in aesthetic and identity terms.

The Nature Restoration Regulation: recovering river connectivity to improve land quality and adapt to climate change

The Po river basin district authority in collaboration with the CIRF is organizing the conference in Turin entitled "The Regulation on nature restoration: recovering river connectivity to improve the quality of the territory and adapt to climate change." During the meeting, the implementation process of the Nature Restoration Law will be discussed in depth, both in Europe and in Italy, with special attention to its river component. Emblematic examples of connectivity restoration from various European countries will be presented.

They are around us, among us... the Boar

The third meeting organized by the CAI speleological group with the TAM (Mountain Environment Protection) commission of the CAI of Rome will be held on 21 November.
With their increasing presence in cities, wild boars can create risky situations for humans and wildlife. Close encounters can lead to conflicts, especially in situations where animals feel threatened or are defending their young, not to mention the risks to road traffic

Together with Barbara Franzetti, ISPRA researcher, the topic of wild boars will be addressed, not only from the point of view of biology and behavior, but also of their growing adaptation to urban environments and the dangers this entails.

Second webinar "The implementation of the Marine Strategy Directive"

Non-indigenous species and the role of citizen science

The Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and Federparchi, in collaboration with ISPRA, are organizing a series of 3 online meetings to disseminate the results of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD Directive 2008/56/EC) and future prospects.
The growing attention for the protection of the Sea, both by community and national institutions, requires moments of verification and in-depth analysis and it is important for protected natural areas to participate and share experiences.

National Tree Day

The National Tree day, established by the Ministry of the Environment and recognized with art. 1 of Law 14 January 2013, n. 10, is celebrated every November 21st throughout Italy. The aim is to promote the care and valorisation of trees and to remember the essential role of forests and urban greenery for our ecosystem.
The National Biodiversity Network (NNB) of ISPRA, in collaboration with the Castelli Romani Regional Park Authority, is promoting a day open to the public on 23 November dedicated to visiting the old oaks (Quercus robur L., 1753) present in the woods of “Cerquone”: a naturalistic oasis rich in biodiversity located within the Castelli Romani Park.
The initiative is part of the National Tree Day and has the aim of promoting knowledge of the two arboreal specimens present in the territory registered and included in the list of monumental trees in Italy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and of forests (Masaf). The list lists the specimens that stand out for their biological and ecological value, based on the age, size, morphology, rarity of the species or habitat for some animal species, but also for their importance from a historical-cultural point of view. and for their ability to characterize the landscape both in aesthetic and identity terms.

Technology to support the management of protected areas

On 4, 5 and 6 November, the activities of the PNRR DigitAP project "Monitoring of pressures acting on habitats using advanced sensors" began at the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise.

Nature map of Calabria region

As part of the work to create the Nature Map of Italy, the habitat map and the related ecological-environmental assessments for the Calabria region are now available on the ISPRA website.

With Calabria, the Nature Map has been completed on 17 Regions, reaching almost 80% of the national territory.
The map, at a scale of 1:25,000, includes 123 different habitat types.

The PNRR activities for the digitalisation of parks begin with the study of the "rebel" habitats of the Pantelleria Island National Park

From 15 to 17 October at the Pantelleria Island National Park we talked about "rebel" habitats, i.e. those habitats that resist particular extreme ecological conditions, climate change and anthropic impact.

This was done by ISPRA researchers as part of the PNRR Project "DigitAP - Digitalization of Protected Areas", starting the floristic-vegetation data collection activities on the island.

The Pantelleria Island National Park represents an excellent example of a Mediterranean environment with species and habitats protected by the Habitats Directive and numerous endemic species, i.e. species present exclusively on the island, such as Limonium secundirameum, a small plant that grows only along the coasts of Lake Bagno dell'Acqua or Limonium cossyrensis, present only along the rocky coasts of the island

The wolf in Italy: latest news. From the risk of extinction to new conflicts

The CAI speleological group with the TAM (Mountain Environment Protection) commission of the CAI of Rome organizes a series of in-depth meetings on fauna and biodiversity.
The first meeting will be held on November 7th and will be dedicated to the wolf. Starting from the 1970s, the Italian wolf population went from the risk of extinction to the 3500 individuals estimated in the 2020-21 national survey. The project was a unique experience, coordinated by ISPRA with the contribution of a vast network of operators, including many volunteers belonging to associations such as the CAI. This increase in the species has affected all of Europe but in Italy the conservation and management of the wolf has been peculiar.

Restoration of the deltaic and marine habitat, combating the proliferation of the blue crab, encouraging its use and consumption

The invasion of the blue crab in the Po Delta has upset the entire venericulture sector in the Upper Adriatic. The predator Callinectes sapidus has upset entire communities of women and men who lived directly or indirectly on clams and who, overnight, found themselves disarmed and unprepared to face an arduous, complicated and difficult challenge. Despite the honorable commitment of all institutions, trade associations, consortia, cooperatives and businesses, today there is a collective awareness that it is necessary to react promptly with dedication, commitment and sacrifices in order to pursue precise operational strategies, well aware of the need to coexist with this crustacean.

Ecomondo 2024

Ecomondo, the leading annual fair in the green and circular economy sectors, is the meeting and dialogue point between industries, stakeholders, policy makers, opinion leaders, local authorities, the world of research and institutions

It is the reference international event in Europe and the Mediterranean basin for technologies, services and industrial solutions in the green and circular economy sectors.

Research and innovation hub offers information, sharing and co-planning on the policies of the European Green Deal thanks to the creation of public-private partnerships used in national, European and international planning.

General states of the Green Economy 2024

The States General of the green economy are dedicated this year to the theme "The economy of tomorrow: the Green Deal at the start of the new European legislature", to start a discussion on that package of strategic initiatives that has put the EU on the path of the ecological transition, in the belief that the transition towards climate neutrality can offer significant opportunities for economic growth, new business models and markets, new jobs and technological development.

LIFE REEForest project: monitoring of grasslands in Cystoseira

At Punta Licosa, within the Santa Maria di Castellabate MPA (Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park), monitoring of the Cystoseira prairies was carried out from 4 to 8 November by ISPRA researchers. The intervention was carried out as part of WP4 of the LIFE REEForest project (Restoration of Cystoseira macroalgal FORESTs to enhance biodiversity along Mediterranean rocky REEFs), co-financed by the EU “LIFE21-NAT-IT REEForest/101074309”, aimed at restoration and habitat recovery in Cystoseira (Habitat 1170).

In particular, within the project, ISPRA carries out activities aimed at mapping the distribution and monitoring of the habitat in Cystoseira, processing high-quality images acquired using remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and other monitoring techniques along the coasts of the Park National team of Cilento Vallo di Diana and Alburni.

The implementation of the Marine Strategy Directive

The Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security and Federparchi, in collaboration with ISPRA, are organizing a series of 3 online meetings to disseminate the results of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD Directive 2008/56/EC) and future prospects.
The growing attention for the protection of the Sea, both by community and national institutions, requires moments of verification and in-depth analysis and it is important for protected natural areas to participate and share experiences.

The first of three meetings dedicated to the second implementation cycle of Directive 2008/56/EC carried out in the period 2018-2024 will be held on 25 October, 10 am.

The next two events will take place, again remotely, on 21 November on the theme "Non-indigenous species and the role of citizen science" and on 12 December on "Program and measures of the Marine Strategy, update of the second implementation cycle".

Project PROMETHEUS: ISPRA on board!

On 25 and 26 October, the kick off meeting of the Life natura PROMETHEUS project took place in Thessaloniki (Greece). Through a multilateral approach (use of systems to reduce accidental catches in professional fishing, deep involvement of the various stakeholders, valorisation of ecotourism, transition towards alien species as targets for fisheries with food value, etc.), the project proposes multiple objectives aimed at improving the conservation status of some emblematic species of Mediterranean cartilaginous fish. ISPRA, together with other national and international partners, is part of a large consortium, rich in experience and scientific excellence in the field of European research on cartilaginous fish, coordinated by Professor Emanuela Fanelli of the Polytechnic University of Marche.

First extraordinary data from the mapping of coastal habitats as part of the PNRR MER project

The first preliminary data of the PNRR MER "A16 – A18" project for the mapping of Italian coastal habitats have been acquired, available through the WebGIS Virgeo cartographic platform. The project is part of Mission 2 of the PNRR, dedicated to the "Green Revolution and ecological transition", and in particular in Investment 3.5, which aims to restore and protect the seabed and marine habitats.

The main objective is the detailed mapping of Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa meadows, marine habitats fundamental for biodiversity. The project uses advanced technologies such as very high resolution satellite images, topographic and bathymetric LiDAR sensors, as well as autonomous vehicles (AUVs), to create a high resolution database useful for the management and protection of marine-coastal ecosystems.

Currently, the preliminary data visible on Virgeo concerns the Liguria region, where a complete dataset of satellite images was acquired from the Maxar constellation, with multispectral resolutions of 1.85 meters for the WorldView-2 satellite and 1.24 meters for the WorldView- 3. These images were processed using advanced algorithms to determine the reflectivity and map the Posidonia oceanica meadows. Furthermore, thanks to the innovative Satellite Derived Bathymetry technique, the bathymetry of the Ligurian coast was obtained

The Cop16 on biodiversity

In Cali, Colombia, from 21 October to 1 November, the first UN international conference on biodiversity after the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal global framework.

World leaders and scientists will come together to define the future of our planet's ecosystems.
COP16 aims to consolidate the commitments made in 2022 during COP15 (Kunming-Montreal), in which 196 governments from around the world approved the "Global Biodiversity Framework" (GBF): a path whose objective is to arrest and reverse the loss of biodiversity by 2050.
The conference will focus on assessing progress made by countries in implementing the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework, which include conserving 30% of the world's lands and oceans by 2030, reducing pollution and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.

One of the central themes of the COP will be the financial resources needed to achieve the ambitious goals set out in the Global Biodiversity Framework and where and from whom to obtain these resources.

Another important area of ​​negotiation will concern mechanisms for monitoring and reporting on progress towards biodiversity targets. Furthermore, the conference will address issues related to access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use, a principle known as Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS).

DigitAP Project: At the school of the "rebel" habitats of the Pantelleria Park

On 15 and 17 October the Pantelleria Park will be an open-air laboratory for students from the island's schools. Students will be able to participate in field activities organized as part of the Digitalization of National Parks and Marine Protected Areas project - DiIgitAP - of the specific measure of the PNRR "Ecological transition and green revolution" owned by the Ministry of Environment and Security Energy

Kick Off meeting of the AlpsLife Project Observe globally, act locally

The Kick Off meeting of the Interreg Alpine Space project AlpsLife: Protect Alpine Life by monitoring and managing Alpine biodiversity for the future was held on 7 and 8 October in Bolzano. “Observing globally, acting locally”. The project aims to develop a harmonized system for the monitoring and management of biodiversity on an Alpine scale with the aim of ensuring its effective protection in the long term.

Planet Earth Festival

Natural communities

For the third year Lucca is the theater of the Planet Earth Festival, directed by Stefano Mancuso, conceived, designed and organized by Editori Laterza.
With over 90 meetings and more than 100 guests - scientists, anthropologists, philosophers, economists, writers, artists and innovators - the event takes place from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 October 2024, in some of the most evocative places in the city.
For the second year ISPRA has granted its patronage and participates in the event with 2 interactive lessons held by our researchers.

Conference "A change in the water: the fate of seas and oceans under climate and pollution"

ISPRA is participating at the conference "A change in the water: the fate of seas and oceans under climate and pollution" that will be held in Paris. In this occasion ISPRA will present the project PNRR MER and two exhibitions “20,000 nets under the sea” and “Carrie, a brave turtle in a changing world” will be set up. The topics addressed are the impact of plastics and microplastics on the marine environment.

Citizen science and riparian vegetation of the Aniene Valley Nature Reserve

As part of the 2024 edition of Urban Nature, the initiative promoted by the WWF to spread the value and care of nature in the city, the National Biodiversity Network is organizing a day of meeting between ISPRA experts and citizens at the Reserve on 28 September Nature of the Aniene Valley. This year the NNB initiative is also part of the Scienzainsieme events, a project which aims to unite the main research bodies and some universities to promote scientific dissemination

Bees, pollinators, pollen and biodiversity

The well-being of many species besides ours is connected to bees, but also to other pollinating insects: they fly from flower to flower, mix pollen, fertilize flowers, ensuring fruit, vegetables, legumes, trees and meadows for the planet. A journey on the wings of the wind and bees to understand what pollen is, what the pollnet network is, what are the complex relationships that link a hive to pollen and the environment, the causes and dangers linked to the decline of apoidea. An in-depth journey for adults and children guided by ISPRA researchers to observe the morphology of bees and pollen and understand the pollination process of plants.

Citizen Science and National Biodiversity Network: Life BIOREPEM project

Less pollution, more sustainable cities

What can municipal administrators and each of us do individually to reduce the use of biocides? We will talk about it with the researchers of the BIOREPEM Project which has the main objective of raising awareness among public administrations and citizens about reducing the use of biocides for mosquitoes and rodents in urban environments. The advanced technologies used in two project areas - Municipality of Fiumicino and Municipality of Francavilla al Mare - will be illustrated for the monitoring and targeted control of infestations, including high-tech electro-mechanical traps for the massive capture of rats and mosquitoes.

Citizen Science and National Biodiversity Network: RIVE project - field and laboratory activities

Together with the participants, we will go to the bank of the Tevere where the importance of riparian vegetation will be addressed. We will illustrate how this transition zone between land and water plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems, filtering nutrients and providing a vital habitat for many species. After this brief theoretical introduction, we will take a water sample from the river. This sample will then be taken to the event stand, where we will carry out a test to measure the levels of nitrates and phosphates, using specific kits with dyes.