National Forum on Biodiversity was held in Palermo and was the first major scientific event of the National Center for the Future of Biodiversity. In this meeting, over 600 researchers from all over Italy discussed sensitive issues such as redevelopment of degraded areas, nature conservation, the relationship between nature and well-being, and the development of effective tools to prevent biodiversity loss. Many young people were present and proposed concrete to achieve the goals set by EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (i.e., protecting at least 30% of land and sea areas and redeveloping 30% of altered ecosystems) by exploiting new technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, nano - and biotechnology, robotics and technologies inspired by nature. More than 300 posters were presented, giving young researchers the opportunity to network with some of Italy's leading scientists.

The Forum is also an initiative of scientific diplomacy aimed at fostering constructive and forward-looking relations among the Mediterranean peoples, who are divided on a multitude of issues, yet share a significant portion of their biodiversity. The Palermo Forum also provided an opportunity for young businesses and large Italian companies to promote their innovation activities in order to one day create new products and more sustainable processes.

At the end of the three days, the Biodiversity Science Gateway was presented: large infrastructure both virtual and physical will be made available to the scientific community. The Biodiversity Science Gateway, a portal between research and society where the products of research and innovation will become value for citizens, innovators and institutions. The primary physical offices of the Gateway are situated in Palermo and Venice, and they ensure the coordination of diverse range of sited distributes throughout the country, which together with protected areas constitute the biodiversity network. The promoters of the Gateway of Palermo include the University of Palermo, the Arpa and the Cnr. The venue will be located at the Roosevelt Institute, which is set to become an important multi-purpose science hub in Palermo.