President of Italy visits ICOS station Castelporziano

On the occasion of World Biodiversity Day on Friday 22nd May 2026, Italian President Sergio Mattarella visited the Castelporziano Estate, highlighting biodiversity as “a resource that we must protect.” The event also marked the 40th anniversary of the Marevivo Foundation and brought together researchers, institutions, and students engaged in biodiversity monitoring and environmental education. 

During the visit, scientists presented ongoing research activities at the ICOS station Castelporziano, including greenhouse gas flux measurements and long-term ecosystem monitoring supported by recent national research investments. Representatives from the National Research Council (CNR) showcased biodiversity protection initiatives carried out under the CNR–Quirinale collaboration, including the First Biodiversity Library.

“Biodiversity is a resource that we must protect.” This was emphasised by President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella during World Biodiversity Day, held at the Castelporziano Estate. The event, which also celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Marevivo Foundation, was divided into two parts: during the first part of the morning, the President was shown research activities, exhibition panels, and educational materials. During the guided tour, students, researchers, and scientists presented their research and awareness initiatives on biodiversity issues.

During the exhibition tour, Carlo Calfapietra, Dario Papale, and Gabriele Guidolotti met the President in front of the panel dedicated to the measurements carried out within the estate by the ICOS Castelporziano station.

“We celebrated Biodiversity Day with President Mattarella, who hosted us at the estate,” said Silvano Fares, Principal Investigator of the ICOS Castelporziano station, “where research is moving forward more strongly than ever thanks to recent investments from the PNRR, NBFC, and ITINERIS projects. The towers measuring greenhouse gas fluxes are fully operational. Today’s event was an important opportunity for researchers from the various CNR institutes involved in the long-term monitoring campaigns within the estate to come together.”

“We were proud,” emphasised Carlo Calfapietra, Director of CNR IRET, “to present to the President the results of the CNR–Quirinale Agreement, our biodiversity protection and monitoring activities carried out at Castelporziano, and above all the First Biodiversity Library.”

"The call to protect biodiversity and the future must grow stronger"

In the second part of the event, the Marevivo Foundation and the National Research Council presented a panel discussion on the theme of World Biodiversity Day, moderated by journalist Riccardo Luna. Among those who spoke on stage in the presence of Mattarella were Rosalba Giugni, President of the Marevivo Foundation; Andrea Lenzi, President of the CNR; Luigi Fiorentino, President of the National Biodiversity Future Center; and Roberto Bassi, President of the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station.

“Research is curiosity,” commented Andrea Lenzi, President of the CNR. “We are fortunate to live in one of the most biodiverse places in the world, but this good fortune also brings with it an important responsibility: to care for, communicate, and protect this resource.”

“The study of biodiversity is urgent and compelling,” stressed Roberto Bassi, “and it requires participation and collaboration among the institutions involved. It is a complex task, but together we will succeed.”

At the conclusion of the morning, two young representatives of the Marevivo Foundation read the Marine Biodiversity Charter to the President, a document calling for cooperation among all stakeholders involved in order to ensure the protection of marine biodiversity and, with it, life on the planet.

“We continue to think of nature as something to look at,” the two young people read, “rather than something to preserve. This paradigm must change. The sea and nature must become part of education at every school level. Education is the cornerstone of safeguarding our world. The sea gave us life; now we must educate for the future in order to defend life on the planet.”

“As has been repeatedly emphasized during this occasion,” declared Mattarella, “caring for the sea and, through it, for nature, represents a cornerstone in safeguarding the future. To achieve this goal, it is therefore essential to focus on research, knowledge, and awareness of what surrounds us.”

The President also recalled the passing of Carlo Petrini, the Italian writer and activist known for his commitment to sustainable food systems, biodiversity, and local traditions.

“We have a duty,” Mattarella concluded, “not to pass on a compromised planet to young people. Days like today take on particular importance, especially in light of the succession of events occurring every day. War is one example: it devastates territories and destroys environments in many parts of the world. The call to protect biodiversity and the future must grow stronger.”

This news story was originally published in Italian on the ICOS Italy website. See the original here.