The concept of ‘natural capital’ reflects the awareness that environmental systems play a vital role in determining human well-being and economic output, by providing resources and services, and mitigating the impacts/effects of human activities. The natural capital sets the ecological limits of our socio-economic systems and it is both limited and vulnerable. Protection and enhancement of the natural capital are consequently key points of the environmental policy. In this context, the PROTER Division:

• develops methodologies and technologies for characterization, protection and environmental remediation with a multidisciplinary ecosystem approach by integrating skills in different environmental compartments: terrestrial, freshwater, transitional and marine;
• defines the knowledge base and strategic framework for the enhancement and preservation of ecosystems and natural resources, for the reduction of their vulnerability, the mitigation of the effects and the adaptation to changes. It promotes the sustainable use of natural resources, also in the tourist sector;
• performs studies, based on paleoclimate data and long-term observations, for the understanding of the climate system and its variability. Carries out studies and experiments to predict and assess the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and define their resilience;
• provides support to the Public Administrations for the development of national strategies and legislations and for the implementation, at national level, of European directives. It develops methodologies, tools and services for environmental management.

It contributes to the international networks for the development of infrastructures and services for the environment: integrated observatories, forecasting and data management systems.

Works jointly with enterprises to develop innovative prototypes and tools for observation, protection and restoration of the environment, and develops biotechnologies for cultural heritage and for the bioremediation of contaminated environments.

Research Themes

1. Environmental characterization, protection and restoration
2. Conservation and enhancement of ecosystems and natural resources
3. Climate change: observations and impacts
4. Methodologies, tools and services for environmental management.