CAMS National Collaboration Programme Italy - Second Phase

The second phase of the National Collaboration Programme (NCP) CAMS Italy represents a significant acknowledgment of the remarkable results achieved during the first phase of activities in the field of atmospheric monitoring in Italy. It promotes joint development actions among various users and researchers while also fostering targeted training and information activities.

Launched with the signing of the agreement between the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and ISPRA in 2022, the initiative aims to enhance the use of resources provided by the Copernicus service to constantly monitor air pollutants. This effort is supported by the expansion of the partnership, which now includes a greater number of regional agencies. In particular, national air quality modeling systems will be strengthened, including data on Saharan dust concentrations over Italy. Efforts will also focus on testing and refining models that provide hourly forecasts at regional and local levels for various pollutants.

The project will also concentrate on pollen monitoring using CAMS products and national data collected by POLLnet, the monitoring network for the biological component of particulate matter in the atmosphere.

The Approach:
The working group, led by ISPRA, includes ENEA, CNR-ISAC, the University of Tor Vergata, the Italian Copernicus Academy Consortium, and 8 of the 21 regional agencies: ARPAe Emilia-Romagna, ARPA Lombardia, ARPA Campania, ARPA Liguria, ARPA Piemonte, ARPA Veneto, ARPA Umbria, and ARPA Valle d’Aosta. Through the National Forum of Copernicus Users, and particularly its consultation table on Air Quality, technical experts will also actively participate in the second phase, creating an essential bridge between the CAMS Service and end users at the national level.

Main Actions at the National or Regional Level:

• Analysis and refinement of models that provide hourly forecasts at regional and local levels for various pollutants.
• Estimation of Saharan dust levels in the atmosphere promptly and uniformly across the entire national territory.
• Detection and modeling of pollen presence, particularly focusing on allergenic species most prevalent in Mediterranean areas.
• Development of case studies on the use of CAMS products applied to human health.
• Organization of training activities for the use of CAMS products and those generated by the project.
• Promotion and communication activities.

For project updates, visit the dedicated page: https://www.copernicus-italia.it/?page_id=883