Italian MAcrophytes Database – iMAD

Funder: Project funded under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.4 – Cascade Call related to the Program “National Biodiversity Future Center – NBFC – Spoke 3” funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU;

Award Number: Cascade Call related to the Program “National Biodiversity Future Center – NBFC – Spoke VS3” CN00000033, CUP B63C22000650007;

Start date: **/**/2024

End date: **/**/2025

Total NRRP funding for the cascade call: € 2.600.000,00

Total NRRP funding for Unipr: € 176.281,00  

The iMAD project, aims to develop the Italian Macrophytes Database (iMAD) to enhance the understanding and conservation of freshwater macrophytes in Italy. Given Italy's rich biodiversity, particularly in freshwater habitats, the project seeks to address the inadequate knowledge of aquatic plants, which are crucial for ecosystem functioning. The project will update and systematize data on the distribution, ecological characteristics, and functional traits of native and invasive macrophytes, integrating these into a comprehensive database. This effort will support conservation strategies, monitor biodiversity changes, and assess the impact of invasive species.

The project is structured into four work packages: 

1. Reviewing existing literature and data on macrophyte distribution, 
2. Collecting environmental data from colonized sites
3. Gathering functional trait data for key species
4. Coordinating dissemination and outreach activities. 

The iMAD database will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and conservationists, providing essential information to guide ecological restoration and biodiversity management efforts in Italy's freshwater ecosystems.

The University of Parma is involved in the following research line:

• Linea di ricerca nr. 2 - Conoscenza, monitoraggio e conservazione della biodiversità di acqua dolce italiana di animali, piante e microorganismi

• Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability

• Università degli Studi di Milano
• Università di Ferrara 
• Università degli Studi dell’Insubria

The iMAD project aims to produce a comprehensive and updated database of Italian freshwater macrophytes, including their distribution, ecological characteristics, and functional traits. This database will serve as a crucial resource for researchers, policymakers, and conservationists, enabling more effective conservation strategies and ecological restoration efforts. Additionally, the project will generate valuable data on the impact of invasive species and the environmental factors influencing macrophyte distribution, contributing to the broader understanding of freshwater biodiversity in Italy.

The project also expects to publish at least two scientific articles detailing the findings on macrophyte distribution and functional diversity. These publications, along with the open-access database, will facilitate further research and collaboration within the scientific community. The dissemination of results through conferences, public events, and social media will enhance public awareness and engagement in biodiversity conservation efforts.

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