News

Agriculture, biodiversity and sustainable development: scenarios and virtuous paths

Over time, agricultural activity has determined the modification of natural ecosystems, transforming and reorganizing them into systems in which the balance between natural elements is different from the original one, precisely due to the impact of human activities on the environment. The 2030 Agenda through the SDGs promotes, in particular, a transformative change in economies and societies by promoting a new approach at a global level that better integrates the protection of biodiversity with government policies.

Urban Geo-climate Footprint selected among the finalists of the Color PA Award of the PA Forum 2024

Produced by ISPRA in collaboration with EuroGeoSurveys, Urban Geo-climate Footprint is the tool that classifies cities from a geological and climatic point of view to help them face the challenges of the future.
It allows you to measure, through the so-called UGF INDEX, the geological complexity of a city, and consequently evaluate the benefits that it could have in the event of impact mitigation. The classification of cities from this point of view can allow comparison between cities with similar characteristics and therefore encourage the exchange of good practices for solving geological-climatic problems.

Water4All Day in Water World Forum of Bali

The event on 22 May which will be held at the European partnership pavilion at the Water World Forum in Bali is dedicated to the presentation of Water4All's activities. Water4all is the EU's largest partnership for water: it contributes significantly to sustainable water management efforts and supports the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as stepping up efforts to achieve the Green Goals Deal.

CARG project: geological cartography towards the future

As part of the cycle of in-depth online seminars "Caffè di Geologica" on Friday 24 May at 4.00 pm an ISPRA researcher will talk about the "CARG Project: geological cartography towards the future".

The meeting of the subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity in Nairobi

Four ISPRA experts participate in the negotiations

15 months after the historic adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF for short) in December 2022 at the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), attention is now focused on its actual implementation. Establishing a path towards achieving the 23 goals for 2030 and the four strategic goals for 2050 of the GBF is the only way to achieve the global vision of a world that, as the text of the CBD requires, «lives in harmony with nature" by 2050.

Extreme water events and indigenous populations

How can knowledge support climate adaptation measures?

On the occasion of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, the Water4All pavilion hosts on 20 May 2024 the collateral event organized as part of the SD-WISHEES project, of which ISPRA is a partner, dedicated to the theme of extreme water events and their impact on cultural and natural heritage. The project partners will discuss with experts from the populations of the areas affected by erosion, floods or drought on innovation paths useful for climate adaptation and on the topic of removing investment barriers in this sector.

Earth! Challenges, innovations and prospects

The Congress of Italian geologists organized by the National Council of Geologists will be held in Palermo from 23 to 25 May.
The main objective of the congress is to highlight the centrality of new contemporary challenges relating to geo-resources, the environment, energy, climate change, infrastructure, risk planning and management and training.

Risks for biodiversity linked to the spread of invasive alien species and the role of the horticultural sector

The webinar, organized by Assofloro and Coldiretti in collaboration with ISPRA, addresses the issues of risks linked to the introduction and spread of invasive alien species and correct practices in the horticultural sector to limit-contain the risk.

ISPRA at FORUM PA 2024: PNRR MER, DIGITAP and focus on environmental education

On 21 and 22 May ISPRA participates in FORUM PA, as part of two events organized in collaboration with MASE.
On May 21, ISPRA experts will present the PNRR MER and DIGITAP projects in the talk on the summary framework of the PNRR tools by MASE.
On May 22, ISPRA experts will present the Institute's initiatives aimed at schools and new generations in the talk "It depends from us: culture and awareness of environmental challenges"

The ISPRA/National Observatory for the Protection of the Sea convention has been signed to develop awareness activities related the Italian coasts and seas

The Director General of ISPRA Maria Siclari and the President of the National Observatory for the Protection of the Sea (ONTM APS) Roberto Minerdo have signed a Convention, lasting two years, with the aim of promoting technological research and raising awareness on theme of the defense of coasts, ecosystems and marine biodiversity, to enhance the Italian natural heritage and for the development of socioeconomic models in the New Blue Economy.

In particular, ISPRA as implementing body and within the PNRR MER - Marine Ecosystem Restoration Project, deals with the restoration and protection of the seabed and marine habitats, the integral mapping of the Italian coast, coastal habitats and deep habitats present in the seamounts of Italian marine waters, the strengthening of the observation networks of fixed monitoring stations, all this through the implementation of 37 overall interventions.

The Observatory is committed to disseminating, raising awareness and studying issues relating to New Blue Economy sectors, with particular reference to the areas of energy production (offshore wind and photovoltaic, geothermal energy...) and the development of coastal and cruise tourism and Green Defense for the implementation of the Nature Restoration Law in the community context.

Struggle against educational poverty

ISPRA will participate in the webinar on struggling educational poverty organized by Assoutenti with funding from the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies. The focus is on the actions that we all must take for a new environmental awareness and culture. The workshop is addressed for teachers and project stakeholders.

Water resource: sustainability and efficiency in the most water-demanding production sectors

Focus and correct application of regulations to reduce environmental impact

On 29 May Assosistema Confindustria organizes the event in Rome, in the Chamber of Deputies: "Water resources: sustainability and efficiency in the most hydro-demanding production sectors. Focus and correct application of regulations to reduce environmental impact"
During the conference the topics will be those of sustainability and the correct use of water resources; furthermore, the Paper on environmental standards, controls and procedures in health and social care facilities drawn up by Assosistema Confindustria will be presented for the first time

PNRR MER. The mobile oceanographic research sentinel that transforms the sea into a laboratory

UMRO will soon be in the field, a van, the only one of its kind in Europe, equipped with radar to observe the state of the waters and monitor the coasts

A mobile sentinel that brings oceanographic scientific research directly to the field and transforms the sea into a laboratory. It is with this objective that Ispra has started, as part of the “Marine Ecosystem Restoration (MER)” project, financed by the PNRR, the creation of UMRO, the Mobile Oceanographic Research Unit, the only one of its kind in Europe to monitor the sea ​​state, the field of surface currents and bathymetry, that means the measurement of the depth of the coastal seabed, using a 'Wave Radar'. In coastal monitoring, radar data is extremely useful for understanding the causes and effects of erosion and the interactions of waves with coastal infrastructure.

Understand and Monitoring Biodiversity in Emilia-Romagna

During the conference, the final results of the work conducted by six research institutes will be presented for the implementation of the regional long-term biodiversity monitoring plan through the COMBI Project (Understand and Monitoring BIodiversity in Emilia-Romagna) and to verify the state of health of regional biodiversity.

Mobility and territory: towards more intelligent and sustainable mobility

The event, which will take place on May 23rd at the Tecnopolo in Reggio Emilia, aims to delve deeper into the characteristics, benefits and potential of Mobility Management, offering an overview of the latest experiences and solutions adopted at a national and international level. The results of UNIMORE research on the management of Mobility Management in companies will also be presented.

European Parks Day

Parks and protected areas constitute a unique and precious heritage to experience and protect. Every year on 24 May, European Parks Day is celebrated and the initiative of the European Parks Federation (EUROPARC) is renewed to remember the day on which, in 1909, the first national park in Europe was established in Sweden. In Italy the first parks were created in 1922: the Gran Paradiso and the Abruzzo Park, which later became the Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park.

The role of National Parks in the protection and enhancement of natural ecosystems

On the occasion of the European Parks Day, the Gargano National Park organizes the conference "The role of National Parks in the protection and enhancement of natural ecosystems".

World Migration Bird Day 2024

Saturday 11 May is World Migratory Bird Day which this year puts the spotlight on the relationship between migratory birds and insects amid an alarming decline in both.

World Day is a global campaign that educates and promotes conservation efforts about migratory birds and their travels across borders. Each year the campaign features a central theme, spurs action and coordinates global efforts to safeguard migratory birds and their habitat.

CER - Sustainable Communities: opportunities and tools to enhance people and territories

The Conference is an important opportunity for discussion on the topic of Communities and in particular CER - Renewable Energy Communities - an innovative model of energy management that involves local public bodies, companies, commercial activities and private citizens, generating throughout the territory social and economic benefits.

World Bee Day 2024

Pollination is a fundamental process for the survival of ecosystems. Nearly 90% of the world's wild flowering plant species depend entirely, or at least in part, on animal pollination, along with more than 75% of the world's food crops and 35% of global agricultural land. Pollinators are essential for conserving biodiversity.

In order to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the UN has designated 20 May  World Bee Day.

The goal is to strengthen measures to protect bees and other pollinators, which would significantly contribute to solving global food supply problems and eliminating hunger in developing countries.

"Bee engaged with youth" is the theme chosen for the 2024 Day. This theme highlights the importance of involving young people in beekeeping and pollinator conservation efforts, recognizing them as future custodians of our environment.

ISPRA pubblication concerning pollinators:

Plants and insect pollination: an alliance for biodiversity 

The decline of bees and pollinators. The answers to the most frequently asked questions

Bees and sustainable agriculture

Africa Centers of Excellence (ACE) International Partnerships Workshop

On the occasion of the tenth anniversary (2014-2024) of the activities to promote excellent postgraduate education in Africa carried out by the Africa Centers of Excellence (ACE) will take place in Mauritius from 8 to 10 May 2024, the First Workshop of International Partnerships of African Centers of Excellence.

EEA Report “Urban adaptation in Europe: what works? Implementing climate action in European cities”

The Report highlights how urgent it is to implement adaptation actions in cities to make them more resilient to climate dangers such as heat waves, intense rainfall, drought and provides useful indications to administrations committed to combating the impacts of climate change at urban level.

World Biodiversity Day 2024

May 22nd is World Biodiversity Day proclaimed by the United Nations to celebrate biodiversity on our planet.
“Be Part of the Plan” is the theme chosen in 2024 to celebrate this day, and is a call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by supporting the implementation of the Kunming Global Biodiversity Framework- Montreal.
This year's celebration of the International Day for Biodiversity will coincide with two meetings of the subsidiary bodies of the Convention on Biological Diversity which will both take place in Nairobi: the twenty-sixth meeting of the subsidiary body on scientific, technical and technological advice (SBSTTA, 13-18 May) and the fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI, 21-29 May).

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

The workshop "RaStEM: a support tool for the design of hydrogeological risk mitigation interventions" will be held in Rome on 15 May.
RaStEM - Standardized Representation of Mitigation Effects - is a web gis tool developed by 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 09/27/2021) for their financing by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (MASE).

Final conference project LIFE WolfAlps EU

The three-day event dedicated to the activities carried out in recent years by the staff of the LIFE WolfAlps Project and future prospects will be held in Trento.

May 17th and 18th will be dedicated to communicating the main results obtained during the project, but not only that: we will talk about lynx and golden jackal, management on a European scale, and coexistence with fauna in general.

The event will also be available on the Project's social channels.

Workshop PANACEA project

The workshop on the PANACEA Project - Posidonia monitoring Activities for the conservation of the NAtural Coastal Environment using Autonomous robots financed by the European Union will be held on 3 May in Pisa. The day is divided into three sections: relevance of Posidonia oceanica, monitoring and technological aspects for marine environmental monitoring.

Are the nature conservation actions developed in recent decades effective in halting the decline of biodiversity?

In a study published in Science, an analysis is carried out on nature conservation measures, highlighting how effective they have been in counteracting the loss of biodiversity.

How effective have the measures implemented in recent decades to combat the loss of biodiversity really been?

New techniques for the 3D mapping of species and habitats of conservation interest and for the mapping of shipwrecks of historical interest

ISPRA and the Underwater Carabinieri of Rome and Messina are experimenting with new techniques for the 3D mapping of species and habitats of conservation interest and for the mapping of wrecks of historical interest. The experimentation, carried out as part of the Ma.Ro.Ma "Marine Remote Mapping" project, underway in the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area, is aimed at developing new methodological protocols to support the monitoring of MPAs.

The study of FAC - Active and Capable Faults in Territorial Planning

The conference, organized by the Order of Geologists of Lazio and the Order of Engineers of the province of Rieti, with the patronage of ISPRA and INGV, will be held on Monday 6 May. ISPRA will present the results of the studies carried out on the FACs present along the south-eastern edge of the Rieti basin, financed by the Commissioner for Earthquake Reconstruction 2016 and merged into the products of Level III Seismic Microzonation.

Flood, landslide and drought emergencies: the role of Naturalistic Engineering and NBS - Nature Based Solutions

"For effective results, interoperability is required, integrated interventions are necessary and naturalistic engineering is an important partner in a path towards correct territorial planning" - said the ISPRA DG, Maria Siclari, who spoke today at the workshop organized by AIPIN and ISPRA on the topic of hydrogeological instability and climate change as contributing causes of the frequent emergencies, the serious damage and the numerous victims that are recorded every year.
"Knowledge plays a fundamental role: ISPRA has registered 622 thousand landslides, 2/3 of the European context, Rendis 25 thousand interventions, 30% of which fall on the Natura 2000 network. Without scientifically validated data, useful interventions for the mitigation of the hydrogeological risk" - added the Director General.

During the conference, the topic of Nature-based solutions was also addressed, in English Nature Based Solutions - NBS, solutions aimed at the restoration, recovery or protection of natural processes to protect ecosystems and biodiversity, with advantages also for human well-being, are winners. European and national strategies and programmes, also supported by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), go in this direction.

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