Newsletter Archive

Dear UN Atlas Member, This month we feature a rich and varied range of material -- from documents on impacts of ocean fertilization and acidification on marine biodiversity to information on Chile and the devastating earthquake damage to announcements for upcoming events -- scan the new highlights below to learn more.World Health Day, observed on April 7, focuses on urbanization and health this year. We are at a historic turning point where over half the world's population lives in urban areas - most within 150km of a coastal area. In fact, eight of the top ten largest cities...

Dear UN Atlas Member, This month's newsletter covers the tragedy of the earthquake near the central coast of Chile on 27 February 2010 in which several hundred people were killed and two million affected. A tsunami struck Concepción and adjacent areas of the Chilean coast and caused substantial damage to fishing villages, destroying boats and infrastructure. Visit FAO Country Profiles - Chile to learn about Chile and its fishery sector. Every March 8th International Women's Day celebrates the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. This year...

Dear UN Atlas Member, The tragedy of the devastating earthquake in Haiti has been compounded by the logistical problems of a small island reliant on sea transport. As the country now prepares for the rainy season and the subsequent hurricane season, the United Nations is encouraging many residents of the overcrowded capital to return to the countryside. World Wetlands Day, celebrated on 2 February, reminds us of the importance of wetlands along the ocean coasts. The World Wetlands Day theme for this year is wetlands, biodiversity and climate change,...

Dear UN Atlas Member, This month, world attention will focus on the United Nations Global Climate Change Conference, known as COP-15, in Copenhagen. It will be a decisive meeting as government leaders, negotiators, ministers and scientists seek to find agreement on the challenges of climate change, including its implications for our oceans, for fisheries and for aquaculture. PaCFA, the Global Partnership Climate, Fisheries and Aquaculture, representing 20 international organizations, as well as the Global Forum on Oceans, Coasts and Islands, will be participating, along with many others, to explain and voice the...

Dear UN Atlas Member, As the build up to next month's UN climate change conference in Copenhagen continues, 'Blue Carbon', a recent publication by some UN Atlas partners, highlights how maintaining and rehabilitating key marine ecosystems should be considered by governments keen to combat climate change. This month's newsletter features other climate-related information from ongoing research to the upcoming FAO-hosted World Food Summit on Food Security, where challenges faced from climate change will be among the issues discussed. If this newsletter may interest someone you know, please forward it. Contribute to and participate in the...

Dear UN Atlas Member,Natural disasters have hit the Asia-Pacific region this week: the tsunami near Samoa Islands; Typhoon Ketsana striking The Philippines, then Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos; and earthquakes in Indonesia. Recent lessons learned by international agencies, NGOs and local authorities are being put to practice in coordinated relief efforts. This year World Food Day (October 16) will focus on how to ensure food security in times of crisis. The global situation has worsened: the number of people suffering from hunger has been growing relentlessly in recent years, aggravated by rising food prices, climate change impacts...

Dear UN Atlas Member, This month we are reminded of the need for marine management decisions to be based on the best-available science. Whether at the level of species, ecological community or regional seas, action is needed to ensure food security and development gains are not reversed.You can also learn about the new technology that is contributing to the understanding of our oceans and aquatic ecosystems: from using information & communication technologies (ICT) to help prepare for and deal with catastrophic natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific region to Google's online international research collaboration tool to harnessing...

Dear UN Atlas Member, This month marked 40 years since man first set foot on the moon. Find out how the moon affects our oceans, from tides to underwater life and marine life events including coral spawning, by visiting the UN Atlas topic on tides. In this newsletter, you can also learn more about challenges facing climate change negotiators, advances in seafloor mapping, and the latest marine addition to UNESCO World Heritage sites. If this newsletter may interest someone you know, please forward it. Contribute to and participate in the growing...

Dear UN Atlas Member,The first UN World Oceans Day commemoration on June 8 saw many diverse celebrations and activities, all underpinned by a general awareness that our oceans need better management for the longterm conservation and use of our resources. As Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, stated: ...human activities are taking a terrible toll on the world's oceans and seas. Vulnerable marine ecosystems, such as corals, and important fisheries are being damaged by over-exploitation, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive fishing practices, invasive alien species and marine pollution, especially from landbased sources. Increased sea temperatures,...

Dear UN Atlas Member, This month we have the pleasure of announcing the first commemoration of World Oceans Day on June 8th! This year's theme, ""Our oceans, our responsibility"", underscores the important role of oceans for all and how it is up to each of us to contribute to the sustainability of our planet's valuable oceans and aquatic resources. Read a message from the United Nations Secretary-General. The official designation of World Oceans Day, to be observed every June 8th, is an opportunity to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community...