Italian citizen‑science biodiversity events launch in Taranto and Torino di Sangro

A citizen‑science BioBlitz took place on 20 June on the shores of the Mar Piccolo in Taranto, Italy. Participants used canoes and stand‑up paddle boards to collect environmental DNA (eDNA) samples with sterile kits designed by the University of Rome 2. The effort, organized by local authorities, the WWF, the National Biodiversity Future Center and other research institutions, aims to map marine biodiversity and promote participatory environmental governance.

In Torino di Sangro, the “BioPlasticBlitz” initiative was held to monitor biodiversity and plastic pollution in river‑coastal habitats of the ADRION region. The event, coordinated by the CURSA university consortium and supported by the municipality and the Lecceta natural reserve, involved volunteers and researchers from the University of Montenegro. Mayor Nino Di Fonso praised the project, saying the protection of the sea, river and “Lecceta” starts with small actions. Dr. Fabio Collepardo Coccia noted that the event helped test monitoring protocols and refine data‑collection sheets.

Both events are part of the national Biodiversity Sampling Week, seeking to engage citizens in scientific data collection and to inform future environmental policies in Italy.