This paper focuses on the eustatic and climatic variations that occurred in the Mediterranean during the Phoenician-Punic period (13th-2nd century BC) and their impact on the spread and the settlement and economic development of the two civilizations. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the geographical-settlement contexts, as well as the archaeological and climatic ones, were surveyed and analyzed, paying particular attention to changes in sea level, geomorphological conditions and trade routes. The research was developed through the search for published archaeological and historical sources, including paleoclimatic, archaeobotanical and archaeozoological data. The published data relating to the Phoenician and Punic sites were tabulated, highlighting their period of foundation, crisis and disappearance, trying to highlight the correlations between settlements, climate and human activity. The aim was therefore to understand and reconstruct the climatic/settlement phases, contributing to a deeper understanding of the historical and natural dynamics of the Mediterranean in ancient times.

This study explores the potential protective role of subaerial biofilms (SABs) in conserving stone heritage, challenging the traditional view of microbial colonization as merely damaging. SABs, composed of microorganisms embedded in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), may form a stabilizing barrier that reduces stone surface porosity and water permeability. The research examines the long-term effect of SABs on water dynamic under moisture stress conditions (30% RH, 25 °C). We assessed water absorption, evaporation, and visual surface changes using noninvasive techniques. Findings contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting that SABs, under specific conditions, can serve as eco-compatible alternatives to synthetic coating to preserve cultural heritage.

This research focuses on Southern Italy, where archaeo-palynological research from 14 archaeological sites in Campania, Basilicata, and Sicily provides high-resolution (decadal to centennial scale) data on past floristic diversity and land use over millennia. Pollen analysis reveals rich palaeo-floristic records reflecting ecosystems surrounding ancient settlements, with both quantitative and qualitative insights. β-diversity analysis, based on species composition and abundance, was used to assess the biological uniqueness of each site through Local Contribution to Beta Diversity (LCBD). Results demonstrate how pollen data are effective to assess long-term biodiversity changes and human impact on landscapes. Integrating archaeology, palaeoecology, and landscape analysis enables a comprehensive reconstruction of human–environment interactions, offering a valuable framework for the use of bioarchaeological data in cultural heritage and environmental monitoring. By linking past and present biodiversity, this research supports future conservation strategies for Mediterranean ecosystems. It aligns with NRRP-driven research and contributes to the development of predictive models for interpreting past ecosystems and informing future biodiversity scenarios.

This paper explores the contribution of palynology to the reconstruction of past biodiversity, landscape dynamics, and anthropogenic impact in Italy. Pollen analysis of sediment samples recovered at selected archaeological sites provide evidence of vegetation changes in response to both climatic fluctuations and land use. The occurrence of tree species, such as Fagus sylvatica (beech) and Quercus ilex (evergreen oaks) in unusual ecological conditions illustrates the response of plants to climatic constraints and (over)exploitation, impacting on local biodiversity and regional vegetation trends. This study demonstrates how the application of palynological data can provide crucial insights into past human-environment interaction, offering new perspectives on ecological resilience and supporting long-term strategies for biodiversity conservation. Such an interdisciplinary approach is being used for modelling future environmental scenarios by the National Biodiversity Future Centre funded by NRRP.

This study explores gamma irradiation as a non-invasive and residue-free method for the conservation of historical documents, focusing on two case studies from the Montecassino Abbey collection. Gamma rays from cobalt-60 source effectively eliminate biodeteriogens such as fungi, molds, and insects, without inducing radioactivity. This approach leaves no harmful residues, and is fully compatible with restoration practices, offering a faster, safer alternative to conventional chemical treatments. In this work, fragments of parchment and paper were irradiated at 8 kGy and analyzed before and after gamma exposure by coupling Raman spectroscopy, FTIR/ATR, and colorimetric techniques. FTIR/ATR and Raman spectroscopy results confirmed the structural stability of collagen and cellulose, with no remarkable molecular alterations. Colorimetric data showed minimal changes (ΔE00 < 1.8), indicating no significant impact on visual perception. These findings demonstrate the potential of gamma radiation as a reliable and efficient conservation tool for safeguarding Cultural Heritage.