"The Naturalist's World," first edition.

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, the first edition of "The World of the Naturalist" will be held at the Federico II Conference Center in Monte Sant'Angelo, starting at 9 a.m. Promoted by the Course of Studies in Natural Sciences, in collaboration with the PLS and the Department of Biology the event, which stems from the desire to enhance the figure of the Naturalist in contemporary society and the need to reflect on the crucial role it plays in environmental protection and scientific popularization, will be divided into two thematic sessions, each enriched by talks by experts, significant testimonies from the world of research and environmental conservation, multimedia projections and dialogue spaces open to the public.

The morning session will be dedicated to "The Naturalist," focusing on the value of communication, outreach and institutional commitment to the protection of Natural Heritage. Opening the session will be institutional greetings by Matteo Lorito, Rector of the University of Naples Federico II; Andrea Prota, president of the Polytechnic School and Basic Sciences; and Gionata De Vico, director of the Department of Biology. The session will be moderated by Olga Mangoni, coordinator of the Nature and Environmental Sciences (three-year) and Natural Sciences (master's) degree programs.

Among the morning speakers will be Emanuele Biggi, naturalist, photographer and host of the RAI 3 program "Geo," who will offer a reflection on the link between nature conservation and science communication. Next, Salvatore Viglietti (ARPAC) will speak on the operational role of the naturalist in the protection of biodiversity, and Pasquale Starace (Carabinieri Environmental Protection Command), who will emphasize the strategic importance of environmental defense for future generations.

The second session, entitled "Experiences and Knowledge," will open at 2 p.m. with greetings from Professor Marco Guida, president of the Society of Naturalists in Naples; Giorgio Budillon, vice president of CoNISMa; and Luigi Stefano Sorvino, director of ARPA Campania. Moderating the speeches will be Ida Ferrandino, University contact person for the Scientific Degree Plan in Natural and Environmental Sciences.

The afternoon will offer a look at the territory and environmental management practices, with the participation of Dr. Francesco Bolinesi, who will present the experience of educational excursions in the training courses, and Remigio Lenza, head of the WWF OASI of Serre/Persano, who will talk about the importance of the WWF Oasis network in the conservation of Italian biodiversity.

A particularly eagerly awaited moment will be the screening of the photographic and video works created as part of the "Shots from Nature" contest: a photo contest to tell the story of biodiversity, promoted to raise awareness of the beauty and fragility of natural ecosystems.

Participation is free and open to all; registration is recommended.