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Major Assessments

A selection of environmental assessments and planned assessments,
mostly produced by partners in the UN system-wide Earthwatch.

General Assessments

UNEP

  • GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT OUTLOOK 3 (GEO-3) - 2002
    United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
    ISBN: 1853838454
    Earthscan Publications Ltd, London, 2002. 416 p.
     
     
     

  • GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT OUTLOOK 2000 - 1999
    UNEP'S Millenium Report on the Environment. Second Edition.
    United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
    Earthscan Publications Ltd, London, 1999. 398 p.

  • PACHAMAMA: OUR EARTH - OUR FUTURE - 1999
    by young people of the world
    GEO for youth, based on GEO-2000 - the Global Environment Outlook Report of UNEP.
    A joint project of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Peace Child International.
    Evans Brothers Ltd, London, 1999. 96 p.

  • GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT OUTLOOK - 1997
    United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
    Oxford University Press, New York and Oxford, 1997 - 264 p.
    Web version: Japan: http://www-cger.nies.go.jp/geo1/
    Kenya: http://www.unep.org/unep/eia/geo1/
    Norway: http://www.grida.no/geo1/
    Switzerland: http://www.grid.unep.ch/geo1/

  • GLOBIO Report - 2001
    Global Methodology for Mapping Human Impacts on the Biosphere.
    UNEP/GRID-Arendal (Norway).

  • THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT 1972-1992: Two Decades of Challenge - 1992
    United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
    M. K. Tolba, O. A. El-Kholy et al., editors
    Chapman & Hall, London, 1992 - 884 p.
    (The next decadal state of the world environment report is planned for 2002.)

WRI

  • WORLD RESOURCES 2002-2004: Decision for the Earth: Balance, voice and power
    Forthcoming in February 2003
    Web: http://pubs.wri.org/pubs_description.cfm?PubID=3764

  • WORLD RESOURCES 2000-2001: People and Ecosystems: The Fraying Web of Life - 2000
    A joint publication of the World Resources Institute (WRI), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank. World Resources Institute, Washington, D.C., 2000. 390 p.
    Published every two years.
    Web version: http://www.wri.org/wr2000
    The executive summary, A Guide to World Resources 2000-2001: People and Ecosystems: The Fraying Web of Life can be downloaded at http://www.wri.org/wri/wrr2000.

  • WORLD RESOURCES 1998-1999: Environmental Change and Human Health - 1998
    A Guide to the Global Environment. A joint publication of the World Resources Institute (WRI), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the World Bank.
    Oxford University Press, New York and Oxford, 1998 - 370 p.

OECD

Regional Assessments

Africa

FAO

  • FORESTRY OUTLOOK FOR AFRICA (FOSA)
    FAO, 2003.
    The Forestry Outlook Study for Africa (FOSA) is one among the series of regional sector outlook studies initiated by FAO in collaboration with member countries to examine the direction of development of forests and forestry. The study was endorsed by African countries at the eleventh session of the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission, held in Dakar, Senegal in April 1998.
    FAO Press release: FAO calls for enhanced role of forests in Africa

UNEP

 

Asia and Pacific

ADB
UN-ESCA & ADB

  • STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC - 2000
    Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)/Asian Development Bank.
    United Nations, New York, 2000. ST/ESCAP/2087. ISBN: 92-1-120019-9.

  • STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC - 1995
    Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)/Asian Development Bank.
    United Nations, New York, 1995 - 653 p.

UNEP
WRI
  • riskREEFS AT RISK IN SOUTHEAST ASIA - 2002
     WRI; February 2002, ISBN 1-56973-490-9.
    This publication provides a detailed analysis of threats to coral reefs across Southeast Asia. The goal of the project is to raise awareness about human pressure on coral reefs and to provide resource managers with specific information and tools to manage coastal habitats more effectively. The project was implemented in collaboration with twenty partner institutions in the region.

Europe

UNECE & UNEP
UNEP
EEA

Latin America and Caribbean

UNEP
CCAD

  • STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES IN CENTRAL AMERICA - 1998
    ESTADO DEL AMBIENTE Y LOS RECURSOS NATURALES EN CENTROAMERICA - 1998
    Central America Environment and Development Commission (CCAD)

North America

UNEP

Polar Regions

UNEP
AMAP

West Asia

UN ESCWA
UNEP

  • DESK STUDY ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES
    UNEP, 2003. The report, Desk Study on the Environment in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, was requested from UNEP by Governments who attended the Seventh Special Session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum, which took place in Cartagena, Columbia, in February 2002.

Sectoral Assessments (by chapters of Agenda 21)

2. Sustainable Development

WSSD
GEF
IAEA
UN-ESA
UN-ESC-CSD
UNDP

  • HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT - 2002
    United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
    Oxford University Press, New York and Oxford, 2002.
    Published annually. The 2002 report focusses on deepening democracy in a fragmented world.
    ISBN 0-19-521915-5

  • HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT - 2001
    United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
    Oxford University Press, New York and Oxford, 2001. 290 p.
    Published annually. The 2001 report focusses on new technologies and human development.

  • HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT - 2000
    United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
    Oxford University Press, New York and Oxford, 2000. 290 p.
    Published annually. The 2000 report focusses on human rights and human development.

UNEP
UNU

 3. Combating Poverty

  • RURAL POVERTY REPORT 2001
    Rural Poverty Report 2001 - The Challenge of Ending Rural Poverty, IFAD, 2001.
    The Rural Poverty Report 2001 is available in PDF format.

UN

  • COMBATING POVERTY- Report of the Secretary-General - 2001 (PDF)
    E/CN.17/2001/PC/5. Prepared by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat as task manager for chapter 3 of Agenda 21, with contributions from United Nations agencies and international organizations. March 2001.

UNDP
PANOS
  • reducing povertyREDUCING POVERTY: Is the World Bank's strategy working? - 2002 (PDF)
    The Panos Institute; August 2002. Panos Report No 45. London, UK. ISBN 1-870670-60-4
     Three years after the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) introduced their Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) approach as the latest template for the world’s poorest countries to get out of poverty, a Panos report examines the progress so far and the arguments about whether PRS can succeed.

4.  Consumption Patterns

UN

  • ENERGY AND TRANSPORT - Report of the Secretary-General (PDF)
    E/CN.17/2001/PC/20. Prepared by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat as task manager for the areas of energy and transport, with contributions from other United Nations agencies and international organizations. March 2001.

  • CHANGING CONSUMPTION PATTERNS - Report of the Secretary-General (PDF)
    E/CN.17/2001/PC/8. Prepared by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs of the United Nations Secretariat as task manager for chapter 4 of Agenda 21, with contributions from other United Nations agencies and international organizations.
WEHAB
UNDP/ESA/WES
IIED-MMSD

5.  Demography

UNFPA
UN
UN-ESA-Population Division

6.  Health

UNEP/UNICEF/WHO
UNEP
  • DOMESTIC ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN - 1999
    Edited by H.H.B. Gopalan and S. Saksena. 253 p.
    United Nations Environment Programme and Tata Energy Research Institute, New Delhi, 1999
UN
WHO
WEHAB

7.  Human Settlements

UN-Habitat
UN
UNISDR

  • LIVING WITH RISK: A global review of disaster reduction initiatives - 2002
    Prepared as an inter-agency effort coordinated by the ISDR Secretariat with special support from the Government of Japan, the WMO and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (Kobe, Japan); 2002. Geneva, Switzerland.
    Living With Risk is a 400 page study of the lessons learned by experts and communities in response to hazards presented by natural forces - volcanoes, fires, hurricanes, tsunamis, landslides and tornadoes - technological accidents and environmental degradation. This document is a preliminary version of a final publication, which will be published early 2003.

UNEP
UNU
IFRC

  • WORLD DISASTERS REPORT - 2002
    Focus on reducing risk- Published annually
    International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva - 240 p.
    ISBN 92-9139-082-8.

  • WORLD DISASTERS REPORT - 2001
    Focus on recovery - Published annually
    International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva - 248 p.

 8. Development

IMF

  • IMF AND THE ENVIRONMENT
    IMF, Gandhi, Ved P.; 1998. ISBN 1-55775-737-2
    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was founded in 1944 to promote international monetary stability and cooperation.

 9. Atmosphere

UN
  • PROTECTION OF THE ATMOSPHERE - Report of the Secretary-General (PDF)
    E/CN.17/2001/PC/12. Prepared by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme as task managers for chapter 9 of Agenda 21, with contributions from other United Nations agencies and international organizations. March 2001.
UNEP

  • CLIMATE CHANGE & THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY: Module 1 & 2 - 2002
    Prepared by the UNEP FI Climate Change Working Group. July 2002.
    The study shows why climate change is relevant to the financial services industry and explains the need for long-term, market-based, frameworks to foster finance sector participation.
    The two modules can be downloaded in PDF format:
    Module 1 - 432 Kb
    Module 2 - 276 Kb

  • brown_cloudTHE ASIAN BROWN CLOUD: Climate and other Environmental Impacts
    UNEP/C4; 2002. Thailand: United Nations Environment Programme Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP RRC.AP), 9th August. ISBN: 92-807-2240-9.
    Report commissioned by UNEP and prepared by the Center for Clouds, Chemistry and Climate (C4).
    It is a seven-year study by 200 scientists indicating that the "Asian Brown Cloud" reduces the amount of solar radiation reaching the ground, leading to a drop in crop productivity, as well as trapping heat, altering rainfall and causing deadly respiratory diseases.

  • ozone_layerPROTECTING THE OZONE LAYER, The United Nations History - 2002
    Stephen O Andersen and K Madhava Sarma (UNEP); 2002. 513p. ISBN 1853839051
    This book tells the story of the ozone layer and how the Montreal Protocol averted a grave threat to the whole of humanity through the destruction of this layer.

WMO/UNEP

  • SCIENTFIC ASSESSMENT OF OZONE DEPLETION: 2002 (executive summary) (PDF)
    Released by WMO/UNEP on 23 August 2002
    It contains the most up-to-date understanding of ozone depletion and reflects the thinking of 250 international scientific experts who contributed to its preparation and review. The full report is being prepared for publication. Printed copies will be available in April 2003.

  • SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT OF OZONE DEPLETION - 1998
    WMO Ozone Report No. 44.
    The Executive Summary is summarized under Ozone depletion on the Emerging Issues page for Agenda 21 Chapter 9.

  • ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF OZONE DEPLETION - 1997
    Interim Summary, September 1997. Issued by the Ozone Secretariat, UNEP, Nairobi.

IUCN/UNEP
IPCC (WMO/UNEP)
World Bank
Pew Center on Global Climate Change
WRI
Earlier assessment

1994 Report of the Halon Fire Extinguishing Agents Technical Options Committee
1994 Report of the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel - 1995 Assessment
1994 Report of the Aerosols Sterilants and Miscellaneous Uses and Carbon Tetrachloride Technical Options Committee
1994 Report of the Methyl Bromide Technical Options Committee, 1995 Assessment
1994 Report of the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Technical Options Committee, 1995 Assessment
1994 Report of the Flexible and Rigid Foams Technical Options Committee, 1995 Assessment
1994 Report of the Solvents, Coatings and Adhesives Technical Options Committee, 1995 Assessment
Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, Part I, II, III, IV, V, and VI, March 1996 Report
UNEP Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, Vol. I & II, April 1997 Report
Issued by the Ozone Secretariat, UNEP, Nairobi.

 10. Integrated Management of Land Resources

UN

  • AGRICULTURE, LAND AND DESERTIFICATION - Report of the Secretary-General - 2001 (PDF)
    E/CN.17/2001/PC/13. Prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as task manager for chapters 10 and 14, and the United Nations Environment Programme as task manager for chapter 12, of Agenda 21, with contributions from other United Nations agencies and international organizations and major groups. 29 March 2001.

UNEP

 11. Forests

FAO

  • STATE OF THE WORLD'S FORESTS - 2003
    FAO, Rome, 2003. ISBN 92-5-104865-7.
    The State of the World's Forests reports every two years on the status of forests, recent major policy and institutional developments and key issues concerning the forest sector. The purpose of the publication is to provide current, reliable and policy-relevant information to policy-makers, foresters and other natural resource managers, academics, forest industry and civil society.
    Previous issues (2001, 1999, 1997, 1995) are also available on: http://www.fao.org/forestry/fo/sofo/sofo-e.st

  • FOREST RESOURCES ASSESSMENT 2000 - 2001
    FAO; 2001. Rome. 102 p. ISSN: 02586150
    FRA 2000 compiled and analysed a wide range of information about the extent, composition, protection and utilization of forests for each country.

UNECE

  • europe_forestTHE CONDITION OF FORESTS IN EUROPE - 2002
    ICP Forests; 2002. ISSN 1020-587X
    Released by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the European Commission
    As well as describing the actual damage observed on trees and forests, the report also presents computer model calculations of future risks.

UNEP
UNEP-WCMC
  • TOWARDS A GLOBAL TREE CONSERVATION ATLAS - 2003
    UNEP-WCMC/FFI; 2003. UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series No 15. ISBN 92 807 2344 8
    The report provides the case for a need to map the status and distribution of the world’s threatened tree species. The report is a joint collaboration between UNEP-WCMC and FFI.
    A Global Tree Conservation Atlas will be one of the main outputs of the Global Trees Campaign.
CIFOR/ Forest Trends/ Future Harvest

 12. Desertification

UN

  • AGRICULTURE, LAND AND DESERTIFICATION - Report of the Secretary-General - 2001 (PDF)
    E/CN.17/2001/PC/13. Prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as task manager for chapters 10 and 14, and the United Nations Environment Programme as task manager for chapter 12, of Agenda 21, with contributions from other United Nations agencies and international organizations and major groups. 29 March 2001.

UNEP

 13. Mountains

UNEP

  • mountain watchMOUNTAIN WATCH: environmental change and sustainable development in mountains - 2002
    UNEP-WCMC; Oct. 2002. ISBN 1 899628 20 7
    The report, the first map-based assessment of environmental change in mountain areas and the implications for sustainable development, has been compiled by the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) as a contribution to the International Year of the Mountains.

UN
International Partnership for Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions
  • THE BISHKEK MOUNTAIN PLATFORM - 2002
    The Bishkek Mountain Platform will be the concluding declaration from the Summit, and will provide a framework for action for sustainable development of mountain regions.
Other Sources

  • THE STATE OF THE WORLD'S MOUNTAINS: A Global Report - 1992
    Peter B. Stone (editor). Zed Books, London and New Jersey, 1992
    (a new report is in preparation)

 14. Agriculture and Rural Development

FAO

  • 2002THE STATE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE - 2002
    FAO; August 2002. Agriculture Series 34. Rome, Italy. 252 p. ISBN 9251047626/ ISSN 00814539.
    This annual report provides basic information on the agricultural situation at the global and regional level. Included in the issue are a CD-ROM containing time series data for 150 countries, country groups, and regions in English, French, and Spanish, together with FAOSTAT TS software for easy access and use.
    Earlier annual reports are also available: 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001

  • WORLD AGRICULTURE: towards 2015/2030. - 2003
    FAO; 2003. Rome, Italy. 444p. ISBN 9251048355.
    This report is FAO's latest assessment of the long-term outlook for the world's food supplies, nutrition and agriculture. It presents the projections and the main messages. The projections cover supply and demand for the major agricultural commodities and sectors, including fisheries and forestry.
    A hardcopy of this report, as well as of the Summary report, can be ordered at http://www.fao.org/icatalog/inter-e.htm.

  • wrld_agriWORLD AGRICULTURE: towards 2015/2030. Summary Report - 2002
    FAO; July 2002. Rome, Italy. 108p. ISBN 9251047618.
    This report is a shorter version of "World agriculture: towards 2015/2030", FAO's latest assessment of the long-term outlook for the world's food supplies, nutrition and agriculture, due for release at the end of 2002. It summarizes the projections, distills the messages and presents them for the generalist.


  • food_insecurityFOOD INSECURITY: when people live with hunger and fear starvation - 2001
    Fao; 2001. Rome, Italy. 108p. ISBN 925104628X.
    The state of food insecurity in the world reports on global and national efforts to reach the goal set by the 1996 World Food Summit: to reduce by half the number of undernourished people in the world by the year 2015.
    Earlier annual reports are also available: 1999, 2000
UN

  • AGRICULTURE, LAND AND DESERTIFICATION - Report of the Secretary-General - 2001 (PDF)
    E/CN.17/2001/PC/13. Prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as task manager for chapters 10 and 14, and the United Nations Environment Programme as task manager for chapter 12, of Agenda 21, with contributions from other United Nations agencies and international organizations and major groups. 29 March 2001.

WEHAB

 15. Biological Diversity

UN
UNEP-CITES

  • handbookCITES HANDBOOK - 2001
    CITES; 2001. ISBN 2-88323-009-9, 360 p.
    The CITES Handbook has been compiled to provide for the Parties to CITES and others who are interested the most essential texts for the implementation of the Convention in one single reference book.

     

UNEP-SBCD

  • cbsBIODIVERSITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - 2002 (PDF)
    UNEP-Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD); 2002.
    SBCD published texts to promote general understanding of the importance of, and the measures required for, the conservation of biological diversity. Newsletter and brochures are available on SBCD website: http://www.biodiv.org/outreach/ awareness/publications.asp.

  • GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY OUTLOOK - 2001
    UNEP-Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD); November 2001.
    This release is the result of an ambitious collective effort that point at some of the critical issues that must be adressed if the Convention is to succeed in meeting its three objectives, namely, the conservation of the biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources.

  • HANDBOOK OF THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY - 2001
    UNEP-Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD); 2001. ISBN 1-85383-737-7
    This Handbook is intended to provide a reference guide to decisions adopted by the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity as well as a guide to ongoing activities in relation to particular Articles and/or thematic areas of the Convention.

UNEP-WCMC

  • world_atlasWORLD ATLAS OF BIODIVERSITY - 2002
    UNEP-WCMC; 2002. ISBN: 0-520-23668-8
    Publisher University of California Press. 340 pages.
    Order directly from the University of California Press on: http://www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/9941.

  • GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY: Status of the Earth's Living Resources - 1992
    Compiled by World Conservation Monitoring Centre in collaboration with The Natural History Museum, London, and in association with IUCN, UNEP, WWF, WRI
    Chapman & Hall, London, 1992 - 585 p.
UNEP
  • GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT - 1995
    UNEP, V.H. Heywood (Executive Editor), R.T. Watson (Chair) and 1500 experts
    Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1995 - 1140 p.
UNESCO
WEHAB
MA Secretariat
WWF/TRAFFIC

  • SWITCHING CHANNELS: Wildlife trade routes into Europe and the UK - 2002 (PDF)
    WWF/TRAFFIC; Dec. 2002. 15 p.
    Illegal wildlife trade routes are difficult to uncover.By their very nature they are covert, sometimes run by organised criminals,and often used to smuggle other commodities such as drugs and guns.This report attempts to uncover some of these complex trade routes into Europe and the UK,as well as the techniques used to smuggle wildlife.

IPCC

  • CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIODIVERSITY IPCC Technical Paper V - 2002 (PDF)
    IPCC; April 2002. 77 p. ISBN 92-9169-104-7
    This is a Technical Paper of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change prepared in response to a request from the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity.

     

 16. Biotechnology

UN
UNEP-SCBD

 17. Oceans

AIMS
FAO

  • aquacultureAQUACULTURE IN THE THIRD MILLENIUM - 2001
    NACA/FAO, 2001. Subasinghe, R.P., Bueno, P., Phillips, M.J., Hough, C., McGladdery, S.E., & Arthur, J.E. (Eds.) Technical Proceedings of the Conference on Aquaculture in the Third Millennium, Bangkok, Thailand. 20-25 February 2000. NACA, Bangkok and FAO, Rome. 471pp. ISBN: 974-7313-55-3.

  • cdWORLD FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE ATLAS CD-ROM - 2001
    FAO Fisheries Department, FAO, Rome, 2001

  • THE STATE OF WORLD FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE (SOFIA) - 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002
    FAO Fisheries Department, FAO, Rome
    The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) is the Fisheries Department's premier advocacy document. It is published every two years with the purpose of providing policy-makers, civil society and those who derive their livelihood from the sector a comprehensive, objective and global view of capture fisheries and aquaculture, including associated policy issues.

    sofia96 sofia98sofia00sofia00
GESAMP

  • hazardTHE REVISED GESAMP HAZARD EVALUATION PROCEDURE FOR CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES CARRIED BY SHIP - 2002 (PDF)
    GESAMP (IMO/FAO/UNESCO/WMO/ WHO/IAEA/UN/UNEP Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection)
    IMO; 2002. London. Rep. Stud. GESAMP: No.64, 126 pp. Pub. no. 491/01, ISSN 1020-4873, ISBN 92-801-5131-2
    This report provides an updated set of criteria for evaluating the hazards of chemical substances that may enter the marine environment through operational discharge, accidental spillage, or loss overboard from ships.

  • A SEA OF TROUBLES - 2001 (PDF)
    PROTECTING THE OCEANS FROM LAND-BASED ACTIVITIES - 2001 (PDF)
    GESAMP (IMO/FAO/UNESCO/WMO/ WHO/IAEA/UN/UNEP Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection)
    UNEP/GRID-arendal; 2001. Rep. Stud. GESAMP: No.70, 15 jan, 35 pp. ISBN 82-7701-010-9
    UNEP/GRID-arendal; 2001. Rep. Stud. GESAMP: No.71, 15 jan, 162 pp. ISBN 82-7701-011-7
    seaoceanThese reports are a major contribution to our understanding of the state of the marine environment and the impact of human activity. GESAMP is an advisory body consisting of specialized experts nominated by the Sponsoring Agencies. Its principal task is to provide scientific advice concerning the prevention, reduction and control of the degradation of the marine environment to the Sponsoring Agencies.

  • THE STATE OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT - 1990
    GESAMP (IMO/FAO/UNESCO/WMO/WHO/IAEA/UN/UNEP Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection)
    UNEP; 1990. Nairobi. Reports and Studies: No. 115, 111 p., and Technical Annexes RSRS: No. 114/1 and 114/2, 676 p

    More Reports and Studies are available at GESAMP website: http://gesamp.imo. org/publicat.htm
ICRAN
UN

  • OCEANS AND SEAS- REPORT TO THE SECRETARY GENERAL - 2001 (PDF)
    E/CN.17/2001/PC/16. prepared by the Subcommittee on Oceans and Coastal Areas of the Administrative Committee on Coordination as task manager for chapter 17 of Agenda 21, with contributions from international agencies and organizations. March 2001.

UNEP
  • WORLD ATLAS OF CORAL REEFS - 2001
    The most detailed assessment ever of the status and distribution of the world's coral reefs prepared by the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC)
    Available from University of California Press, Tel +1 510 642-4243, website: http://www.ucpress.edu
WorldFish Center

  • REEF BASE - 2002
    Project by the WorldFish Center, with support from the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN) and UNEP
    ReefBase is an online information system on coral reefs, and was designed to provide relevant data and information to reef managers and scientists, as well as the general public.

Other Sources

  • riskREEFS AT RISK: A Map-Based Indicator of Threats to the World's Coral Reefs - 1998
    by Dirk Bryant, Lauretta Burke, John McManus and Mark Spaulding. 56 p.
    WRI/ICLARM/WCMC/UNEP. World Resources Institute, Washington, D.C., 1998.
    This publication is a map-based indicator of threats to the world's coral reefs. This global analysis evaluated human pressure on coral reefs for 55,000 coral reef locations worldwide.

  • The Ocean ... Our Future - 1998
    Report of the Independent World Commission on the Oceans, M. Soares (ed.).
    Report to the UN General Assembly assessing the state of ocean management.
    Cambridge University Press, 1998.

  • A Global International Waters Assessment (GIWA) is now in preparation, with a secretariat under UNEP hosted by the University of Kalmar, Sweden, and with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UNEP and other donors. It is to develop a comprehensive strategic framework for the identification of priorities for remedial and mitigatory actions in international waters (both fresh and marine)

 18. Freshwater

FAO

  • UNLOCKING THE WATER POTENTIAL OF AGRICULTURE - (PDF) - 2003new
    FAO; March 2003.
    On the occasion of the third World Water Forum (WWF-3), being held in Kyoto, Japan, from 16 to 23 March 2003, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) presented an overview of the priority issues facing the agricultural decision-makers of the world in the field of agricultural water development and their implications for the management of water resources in a wider context.
    The publication is available for download in PDF format at: ftp://ftp.fao.org/agl/aglw/docs/unlocking_e.pdf

UNEP

  • virtual_water_graphics WATER FOR THE FUTURE: An annotated bibliography for World Water Day and the International Year of Freshwater - 2003new
    UNEP; March 2003. ISBN: 92 807-2306-3.
    To mark World Water Day and the International Year of Freshwater, the United Nations Environment Programme has compiled a bibliography of more than 600 water publications, from a wide range of UN bodies and specialized agencies, featuring material in three languages (English, French and Spanish).

  • virtual_water_graphics ATLAS OF INTERNATIONAL FRESHWATER AGREEMENTS - 2002new
    UNEP; March 2002. ISBN: 9280722328.
    The Atlas of International Freshwater Agreements was compiled under the direction of Aaron T. Wolf, Oregon State University, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. "The World'S International Freshwater Agreements" was authored by Meredith A. Giordano and Aaron T. Wolf. "Thematic Maps: Visualizing Spatial Variability and Shared Benefits" was authored by Aaron T. Wolf.

  • virtual_water_graphics VIRTUAL WATER GRAPHICS: An Overview of the State of the World's Fresh and Marine Waters - 2002 new
    UNEP/GRID-arendal; 2002. ISBN: 9280722360
    This publication produces a clear overview, through a set of graphics, maps and other illustrations, of the state of the world's fresh and marine waters.
     

WWAP

  • wwdrWORLD WATER DEVELOPMENT REPORT - 2003 new
    The World Water Development Report (WWDR) is a periodic, comprehensive review giving an authoritative picture of the state of the world's freshwater resources, and aiming to provide decision-makers with the tools for sustainable use of our water. The first edition of this report, Water for People, Water for Life, will be launched on World Water Day (March 22nd) at the Third World Water Forum in Kyoto, Japan.
    Executive Summary Available online in 7 languages: Arabic ; German ; Japanese ; English ; Russian ; French ; Spanish.

  • wwdr WORLD WATER DEVELOPMENT REPORT: Fitting the pieces together - 2002 (PDF)
    This pamphlet was published by the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP). It offers an evaluation of our stewardship abilities, an authoritative picture of the state of the world's water resources, and a description of critical problems. The UN ACC Subcommittee on Water Resources has decided to begin the preparation of a periodic World Water Development Report (WWDR), with the first edition to be published in 2003.

  • water_securityWATER SECURITY: A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF POLICY PROGRESS SINCE RIO - 2001 (PDF)
    WWAP/WWDR/2001/001. This publication was released by the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) for the International Conference on Freshwater (Bonn, December 2001). It reviews national policy developments since 1992, and prepares the way for the water agenda at Johannesburg and the 3d World Water Forum. Now also available online in Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish on WWAP website.

UN
UN ESCWA
WEHAB

  • WEHAB FRAMEWORK PAPER ON WATER AND SANITATION - 2002 (PDF)
    This comprehensive paper on water and sanitation released during the panel discussion on water sanitation outlines the major areas of concern and need for action in the area of freshwater. Prepared by WEHAB for the World Summit on Sustainable Development. August 2002.

WHO/UNICEF
  • global_waterGLOBAL WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION ASSESSMENT - 2000
    The WHO and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation (JMP) provides a snapshot of water supply and sanitation worldwide at the turn of the millennium using information available from different sources.

 

GIWA

  • A Global International Waters Assessment (GIWA) is now in preparation, with a secretariat under UNEP hosted by the University of Kalmar, Sweden, and with financial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UNEP and other donors. It is to develop a comprehensive strategic framework for the identification of priorities for remedial and mitigatory actions in international waters (both fresh and marine). Web information at: http://www.giwa.net/

IFPRI/IWMI

  • water_outlookGLOBAL WATER OUTLOOK TO 2025: Averting an Impending Crisis - 2002 (PDF)
    Mark W. Rosegrant, Ximing Cai, and Sarah A.Cline; Sept. 2002. Washington, USA: IFPRI/IWMI, 36p. ISBN 0-89629-646-6.
    This outlook reports that if current trends in water policy and investment hold or worsen, we will soon face threats to the global food supply, further environmental damage, and ongoing health risks for the hundreds of millions of people lacking access to clean water.

IWMI

  • WORLD WATER AND CLIMATE ATLAS - 1999
    Geographic Information System available on CD-ROM
    Prepared by International Water Management Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka
    http://www.iwmi.org/


 19. Toxic Chemicals

UN
UNEP

  • GLOBAL MERCURY ASSESSMENT REPORT
    UNEP chemicals, Geneva, Switzerland, December 2002.
    This publication is produced within the framework of the
    Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC).

  • CHEMICAL POLLUTION: A Global Overview - 1992
    Earthwatch/UNEP, prepared by IRPTC and GEMS/MARC
    UNEP, Geneva, 1992 - 106 p.

PIC (UNEP/FAO)
  • THE ROTTERDAM CONVENTION - 1998
    The Convention establishes a first line of defense by giving importing countries the tools and information they need to identify potential hazards and exclude chemicals they cannot manage safely.

 20. Hazardous Wastes

GESAMP

  • hazardTHE REVISED GESAMP HAZARD EVALUATION PROCEDURE FOR CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES CARRIED BY SHIP - 2002 (PDF)
    GESAMP (IMO/FAO/UNESCO/WMO/ WHO/IAEA/UN/UNEP Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection)
    IMO; 2002. London. Rep. Stud. GESAMP: No.64, 126 pp. Pub. no. 491/01, ISSN 1020-4873, ISBN 92-801-5131-2
    This report provides an updated set of criteria for evaluating the hazards of chemical substances that may enter the marine environment through operational discharge, accidental spillage, or loss overboard from ships.

UN
UNEP

 21. Solid Wastes/Sewage

UN
IMO

  • GLOBAL WASTE SURVEY: Final Report - 1995
    Prepared by S. Adrian Ross
    International Maritime Organization (IMO), London, 1995 - 293 p.

 22. Radioactive Wastes

IAEA

  • RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT - TURNING OPTIONS INTO SOLUTIONS
    IAEA, 2000. This report summarizes the presentations and discussions held during the Scientific Forum (19-20 September 2000) at the 44th Regular Session of the General Conference.

  • SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND NUCLEAR POWER
    IAEA, 1998. This brochure discusses the concerns that limit the acceptance of nuclear power - the perceived health effects, consequences of severe accidents, disposal of high level waste and nuclear proliferation. It outlines the distinct advantages of nuclear power and make extensive comparisons with other energy sources.

  • ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF RADIOACTIVE RELEASES - 1995
    Proceedings of a Symposium, Vienna, 8-12 May 1995
    International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 1995 874 p.

UN
UNEP
UNSCEAR

 

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