News

ISIN, from previous experience to new scenarios to ensure efficiency and security

The first ISIN conference takes place at a time in history when the debate on the country's energy policies, and in particular on the possible return to nuclear energy production, is very heated: it therefore intends to constitute a moment of discussion and reflection open to all the parties involved.

Planet Sea Film Festival

The new edition of the Pianeta Mare Film Festival in Napoli, 7-11 October, was presented on March 17, with the first city stop at the University of Genova from 5 to 9 May 2025, on the occasion of the European Year 2025 dedicated to digital citizenship education. The Pianeta Mare Film Lab with smartphones and a 5-day artistic residency in Genoa for adult students under 30 and Cinematinée for school children will be realized thanks to and with the Pianeta Mare Darwin Dohrn cultural association and the University of Genoa, with the patronage of ISPRA and with Genova Blue District and Job Centre, Genova Elettra Car Sharing, Posidonia Green Festival, Outdoor Portofino, Alle ortiche APS, Blackwave Surf School.

The contribution of scientific research for the future of our mountains

The day aims to foster a dialogue between scientific research and mountain users/stakeholders, with other Italian bodies operating in mountain areas and with some representatives of civil society. This dialogue will be structured around the research themes of the Mountain Working Group, regarding atmosphere, climate, biodiversity, cryosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and mountain medicine, also giving space to the project in collaboration between CNR and CAI "I Rifugi Sentinella del Clima e dell’Ambiente"

Italian Municipalities focus on green

Published the new ISPRA bookleet on urban nature plans 

An analysis that starts from the cities to reflect on a planning tool that is still not very widespread in Italy: the Municipal Green Plan. The study focuses on 10 Green Plans approved by Italian Municipalities starting from 2020: Torino, Vercelli, Bolzano, Padova, Rovigo, Parma, Bologna, Forlì, Livorno, Avellino, where over 2 million people live, and which intends to stimulate a reflection on this important planning tool to make the territories more inclusive and resilient. The analysis is contained in the ISPRA publication “Urban nature Plans: tools to bring nature back into our lives?" promoted and edited by the Institute with the contributions of ANCI, ICLEI and Paolo Pileri. In this publication, ISPRA offers a new vision of the city that combines natural capital and green and blue heritage with the key themes of urban sustainability, through strategies aimed at combining the increase of public greenery with environmental justice, the reduction of land consumption with adaptation to climate change, the care of greenery with active citizenship and public participation.

The ISPRA booklet also provides useful suggestions for overcoming critical issues, acting as a driving force for promoting new interdisciplinary study and research activities and as an incentive for the Green Plan to become, in the coming years, a consolidated and increasingly widespread planning practice among local administrations in Italy.

Press release (ita)

WATER resource care and universal access

Towards the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome 2026

The international conference "Water: care of the resource and universal access. Towards the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome 2026" will take place on March 21st. The meeting is from 10:00 in the Hall of Parliamentary Groups at the Chamber of Deputies.
In 2026, Rome will host the first Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum. The Forum, which until now has involved only the countries of the Mediterranean area, will for the first time also involve all the European and Balkan states.

Restoring nature in an intergenerational perspective: a dialogue between disciplines

On Thursday 27 March, LUMSA University is organizing the seminar "Restoring nature in an intergenerational perspective: a dialogue between disciplines" created for the PRIN Call 2022 PNRR "Restoring Nature for the Children of Italy" - RINASCI.

World Recycling Day

March 18 is World Recycling Day, an initiative aimed at raising awareness among citizens about the importance of recycling and the conscious use of resources, promoting practices that reduce energy use, improve the quality of water and the air we breathe and combat climate change.

ISPRA has recently updated the Environmental Indicators Database, in the “Circular Economy” section are collected the indicators useful for monitoring the transition towards a circular economic model in which materials are used, recycled and reused as much as possible.

World Water Day 2025

World Water Day is celebrated on March 22, an annual United Nations observance focused on the importance of fresh water.
With over 2 billion people living without access to clean water, action is essential to address the global water crisis. A key goal of World Water Day is to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Water, sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030.

"Teveremolluschifantastici...and where to find them" excursion on March 15th at the Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Regional Nature Reserve

On the occasion of the International Day of Action for Rivers, which is celebrated on March 14, ISPRA researchers will be in the Nazzano Tevere-Farfa Regional Nature Reserve as part of the participatory science project "Teveremolluschifantastici...e dove trovarli" to monitor the presence and distribution of native and alien molluscs in the Tiber River.

The spring season of openings at the Presidential Estate of Castelporziano starts again on March 15th

Guided tours will be held on weekends, until Sunday, June 15; visitors will be able to choose between three different tour routes: the historical-artistic one, the archaeological one and the naturalistic one, which - for this season - will concern the Campo di Rota itinerary.
ISPRA conducts, in collaboration with the Estate, research and monitoring activities of the fauna present in the area through the use of the most advanced techniques for studying animal species, from ringing of bird fauna to understand their migratory dynamics, to radiotelemetry to track the movements of animals, from photographic traps to detect the presence of different species remotely, to the use of thermal cameras that detect their presence in the total absence of light.

Course to recognize cetaceans and turtles

On the Life Conceptu Maris website there is a simple course available in four languages ​​to identify all the cetaceans and turtles of the Mediterranean Sea.

The course provides simple and interesting interactive videos that explain which species of cetaceans and turtles can be found in our seas, also giving useful indications to recognize them.

ISPRA is a partner of the Project.

Montagu’s harrier in Maremma

Results of the first year of the Project by the working group "Montagu’s harrier".
The Museum of Natural History of Maremma is organizing next 4 April a meeting to present the results of the first year of study on Montagu’s harrier (Cyrcus pygargus).
ISPRA researchers will participate at the event.

EXA - Energy Exchange Australia

From 11 to 13 March EXA - Energy Exchange Australia will be held in Perth and ISPRA Department for the Geological Survey of Italy will participate at the invitation of the Italian Consulate in a series of bilateral meetings with government agencies such as the Geological Survey of Western Australia and companies. The aim is cooperation in the field of mineral research and georesources. The sharing of sustainability protocols in the mining sector, recycling and reuse of critical and strategic raw materials.

Air Quality in 2024

Reduction trend for PM2.5 particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, Ozone in summer and daily PM10 always critical. New limits in the EU Directive

The slow and continuous improvement of air quality in Italy continues in 2024, even if critical issues remain in some areas of the country. Among the positive developments, the levels of fine atmospheric particulate matter PM2.5 are within the norm (25 micrograms per cubic meter is the permitted limit value). The annual levels for PM10 continue to be respected (average concentration of 40 micrograms per cubic meter), while daily values ​​continue to be exceeded. Nitrogen dioxide concentrations are within the limits and continuously decreasing in almost all monitoring stations (98%). The ozone situation, on the other hand, is negative: only 16% of the stations have respected the long-term objective for the protection of human health.

The annual report of the National System for Environmental Protection provides the national picture of air quality in the past year. A summary report prepared every year by SNPA experts (ISPRA and the environmental agencies of the Regions and autonomous Provinces), which summarizes the data collected by over 600 monitoring stations present throughout the country.

Although there has been a general trend towards improvement for some years, the new European Directive recently approved and which will come into force in 2030 provides for much more stringent levels than the current ones even in areas where the legal limits are currently respected. It is necessary to implement short-medium term actions that further reduce emissions.

Prevention of the risk of electrocution of avifauna

The event, organized within the LIFE MILVUS project, analyzes the impact that electrocution determines on the conservation of threatened species, will present virtuous experiences developed in Italy and other European countries to mitigate the phenomenon and will be an opportunity to discuss possible measures to be adopted to intensify the efforts of knowledge and prevention in Italy.

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.