Biodiversity research puts Italy at the center of global cooperation
The National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC), Italy’s first national research hub dedicated to biodiversity and funded by the PNRR–Next Generation EU program, is accelerating its international partnerships. New agreements signed with two major global powers, Canada and China, position Italy at the forefront of biodiversity research and diplomacy.
From scientific research to science diplomacy
While the NBFC continues to deliver significant scientific results for biodiversity protection in Italy, it is also opening a new chapter in global science diplomacy. The goal is to develop concrete and innovative responses to the major challenges posed by biodiversity loss and the climate crisis through strategic agreements, shared research networks, and collaborations with leading institutions worldwide.
On November 11, the NBFC signed its first agreement in Montreal with the Quebec Center for Biodiversity Science, aimed at expanding joint projects focused on biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
Canada–Italy Forum on Artificial Intelligence
The partnership is part of the seventh edition of the Canada–Italy Forum on Artificial Intelligence, which marks a new phase in the privileged collaboration between the two countries and promotes the ethical, inclusive, and sustainable development of AI.
During the diplomatic meeting, particular emphasis was placed on biodiversity digitalization. Representatives from both nations agreed on the urgency of developing AI systems dedicated to biodiversity studies through the creation of specialized digital databases that are continuously updated and trained.
They also highlighted the importance of transdisciplinary research that broadens public engagement in environmental stewardship, as already demonstrated in Italy through the CitizenScience–Spoke3 project. Continuous exchanges of research and projects between the scientific communities of both countries were also encouraged.
The Italian model, which integrates monitoring, conservation, restoration, and ecosystem enhancement into a unified strategic vision, was described by Canadian delegates as a “virtuous benchmark worthy of emulation.”
Italy and China sign 31 cooperation agreements
Just days later, on November 13, during the fourteenth Italy–China Science Week, Italy’s Minister of Universities and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, led a mission to China that resulted in 31 cooperation agreements addressing global challenges.
Among the key areas with strong potential for collaboration, mirroring those identified with Canada, were the exchange of scientific knowledge and projects between research communities, the need for biodiversity digitalization through database development, the integration of biodiversity and health research, and the importance of transdisciplinary approaches to increase public participation in ecosystem restoration and environmental recovery.
“These alliances strengthen our global role,” says NBFC president
“With these new alliances,” said Luigi Fiorentino, president of the National Biodiversity Future Center, “we aim to strengthen our role in global biodiversity research. The diplomatic missions that have multiplied over the last three years demonstrate our unwavering commitment to promoting models and best practices developed by 2,000 Italian scientists beyond national borders. Safeguarding and promoting biodiversity is a possible solution, if not the solution, for a more sustainable future and an essential tool to confront climate change globally.”