Newsletter Archive

Dear UN Atlas Member, As the latest round of UN climate change negotiations kicks off at the end of the month, our newsletter looks at climate change and what this means for oceans and coastal communities. The talks, taking place in Durban, South Africa, will bring together representatives of the world's governments, international organizations and civil society. Check out the COP-17 site to follow events where the UN-Oceans, the United Nations coordination mechanism for oceans and coastal issues working closely with the UN Atlas of the Oceans, will feature an official side event on ocean acidification.Learn...

Dear UN Atlas Member, On 15 October International Day of Rural Women will direct attention to both the contribution that women make in rural areas and the many challenges that they face. It recognizes the critical role played by rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty. This year's World Food Day, observed on 16 October, highlights food price volatility through its theme Food Prices - from Crisis to Stability, aiming to shed some light on food price swings and what can be done to mitigate the...

Dear UN Atlas Member, This month's newsletter includes information on key themes covering food security through sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, preserving ecosystems and services and boosting resilience to climate change impacts. You will find items on new advances in weather monitoring, innovative examples of marine energy use and details on upcoming conferences related to oceans and coastal issues. We also feature a topic on South Sudan which was recently admitted as a new Member State ?by the United Nations General Assembly. Read about these and other stories of interest. If this newsletter may interest someone you...

Dear UN Atlas Member, This month's news reminds us of the diversity of people who are part of the UN Atlas community and who rely on the world's oceans: seafarers, tourists on summer holidays, women working in fisheries, university students, scientists and aid workers. Take some time to explore the Atlas.If this newsletter may interest someone you know, please forward it. Contribute to and participate in the growing Atlas community by becoming an active Member of the UN Atlas today! The UN Atlas of the Oceans Editors Visit the UN Atlas of...

Dear UN Atlas Member, Looking ahead to next year's Rio +20 Conference on Sustainable Development, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in his message for World Oceans Day 2011, said "All activities and policies related to oceans and the marine environment need to acknowledge and incorporate the three pillars of sustainable development: environmental, social and economic. Only then can we achieve the development objectives set by the international community." He underlined the need for all of us to play a part in the sustainable development of our oceans: the UN Atlas of the Oceans...

Dear UN Atlas Member, Don't miss UN World Oceans Day on June 8th. This year's theme Our oceans: greening our future, emphasizes the important role of oceans on our environment and the challenges we face. In New York, the Empire State Building will be lit white, blue and purple on June 8th -- see what other events are planned for World Oceans Day.Act for World Oceans Day: forward this newsletter and help raise awareness about our oceans. Contribute to and participate in the growing Atlas community by becoming an active...

Dear UN Atlas Member, This month's newsletter covers a wide variety of subjects, from climate change to the importance of sustaining biodiversity in our ocean ecosystems to recent research on marine life. Browse the selection of articles and discover the benefits of fish oil, learn about new initiatives to promote information sharing or check out new online maps. Keep on the lookout for information on next month's UN World Oceans Day. Celebrated on June 8th, this year's theme is 'Our oceans: greening our future'. If...

Dear UN Atlas Member, This past month Japan was hit by a powerful earthquake followed by a massive tsunami which killed thousands and wrecked the reactors of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. As the Japanese struggle to begin the difficult task of rebuilding, the full devastation of this triple-tragedy is not yet fully known, from the fate of the tens of thousands of people displaced and those still missing to the extent of the radioactivity emitted. On March 21, the United Nations celebrated World Water Day, focusing on the challenges facing increased urbanization. The UN also commemorated...

Dear UN Atlas Member, International Women's Day: Celebrated on March 8th March, this year marks the centenary of International Women's Day. Hundreds of events worldwide will be held throughout March to pay tribute to 100 years of economic, political and social achievements of women. All over the world, women are involved in many aspects of life in coastal communities: as workers (paid and unpaid) within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, in pre- and post-harvest activities, liaison work with institutions and agencies, as caregivers of the family and in maintaining social networks and the culture of...

Dear UN Atlas Member, The FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI) has just wrapped-up after a week-long meeting. COFI is the only global intergovernmental forum where major international fisheries problems and issues are examined and recommendations. Follow what happened during COFI and outcomes.In this issue of the Atlas newsletter you can find out about newly-discovered species, the need for better climate change data, fisheries management schemes that can work... read on for more information. If this newsletter may interest someone you know, please forward it. Contribute to and participate in the growing Atlas community by...