Progressing from environmental restoration to tech advancements and economic revival for businesses
In the heart of the Mediterranean, Italy plays a significant role in European biodiversity conservation through the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC). Established in September 2022, the NBFC's mission is to conserve, restore, monitor, and enhance Italian and Mediterranean biodiversity [1].
The NBFC adopts a Hub&Spoke model, with thematic spokes focusing on sea, land, wetlands, cities, and cross-cutting areas like training, communication, knowledge sharing, innovation, and policy [1]. This multidisciplinary approach emphasises the importance of scientific expertise and strong ties with local territories and citizen science initiatives.
Economically, the NBFC supports research and development projects aimed at the economic valorisation of biodiversity. It funds innovation by micro, small, and medium enterprises through programs linked to the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and NextGenerationEU funds [2]. This approach encourages businesses to understand that biodiversity can be a profitable venture and a significant driver of growth and employment in Italy.
The NBFC boasts over 2,000 researchers, with over 600 being young. It is worth noting that approximately a third of the animal species in the EU are Italian endemics, and more than half of the plant species are Italian endemics [5]. However, approximately 68% of ecosystems in Italy are at risk, and the percentage of degraded habitats ranges between 70 and 75% [6].
To combat these challenges, the NBFC organises major national scientific forums and events involving researchers, businesses, finance, and local authorities. These forums aim to tackle biodiversity-related challenges and develop innovative solutions. For example, the first National Forum on Biodiversity held in Palermo united over 600 researchers focused on nature conservation, degraded area redevelopment, and wellbeing linked to biodiversity [1].
The NBFC's annual reporting highlights its efforts in biodiversity restoration, showcasing scientific and societal progress. It also fosters initiatives that raise public awareness of biodiversity, such as the "Representing biodiversity" photographic exhibition and musealizing biodiversity through collaborations with academic institutions [3][4].
Biodiversity is not just an environmental issue; it is also linked to human health, social justice, and equity. Biodiversity mitigates the effects of climate change and reduces the impact of natural disasters such as floods, heatwaves, and landslides. It ensures stability, resilience, and functional relationships in ecosystems [7].
In a historic move, the protection of biodiversity has been enshrined in the Italian Constitution with the modification of articles 9 and 41 "in the interest of future generations" since 2022 [8]. With the NBFC at the helm, Italy is well-positioned to contribute to European goals in biodiversity conservation.
References: 1. National Biodiversity Future Center (2023). Retrieved from https://www.nbcf.it/ 2. National Recovery and Resilience Plan (2021). Retrieved from https://www.pnrr.gov.it/ 3. Representing biodiversity (2023). Retrieved from https://www.representingbiodiversity.it/ 4. Musealizing biodiversity (2023). Retrieved from https://www.musealizzabiodiversita.it/ 5. European Commission (2023). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/state-players-european-biodiversity-2023_en 6. European Environment Agency (2023). Retrieved from https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/indicators/terrestrial-biodiversity-loss-3/assessment 7. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (2019). Retrieved from https://www.ipbes.net/ 8. Italian Constitution (2022). Retrieved from https://www.camera.it/parlam/leggi/2022/L_318_2022_12_21.pdf
The NBFC collaborates with health-and-wellness initiatives, recognizing biodiversity's link to human health and wellbeing.
To further economic development, the NBFC supports finance and business ventures that focus on the profitable exploration of biodiversity and environmental-science research.
As part of its multidisciplinary approach, the NBFC extends its influence to various fields, including science, business, and society, to promote biodiversity conservation and innovation.
