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Short Abstract

The NBFC promotes biodiversity monitoring, conservation and restoration in Italy. The creation of the Citizen Science WG, initiatives like the Biodiversity Sampling Week (BSW), and a national CS platform are inspiring a replicable European model and supporting a National CS Reference Center.

Abstract

The National Biodiversity Future Center is dedicated to the monitoring, conservation, restoration and valorization of biodiversity. Funded by the Italian NRRP, the consortium is made up of 48 partner institutions and over 2000 researchers.

Citizen Science is seen as a key avenue for the NBFC to maximize its societal impact. In May 2024 the NBFC Working Group on CS was founded, attracting around 150 scientists.

The activities carried out led to significant achievements. Among these: a two-day training course for early-career researchers and the funding of new Citizen Science projects across various regions and environments (marine, terrestrial, urban). through cascading grants.

In collaboration with the Citizen Science Italia association, the NBFC supported the creation of a National Citizen Science platform, based on the EU-citizen.science software. It ensures direct contact with the national CS network and maintains collaborative links with the European CS community.

Another major achievement was the Biodiversity Sampling Week (BSW), promoted by NBFC in May 2025, just before the World Biodiversity Day (May 22nd). The initiative successfully fostered participatory science, with over 120 CS initiatives and about 5000 participants across the country. Following this success, the ECSA biodiversity WG proposed to held an European BSW annually in the week preceding May 22nd, modeled after the Italian BSW.

Finally, NBFC is supporting dialogue with the Italian Ministry of University and Research to establish a National Reference Center for CS, aiming for a stable management structure providing services, identifying good practices, and supporting Citizen Science projects in the country.