The world’s seas and oceans are perhaps our richest source of biodiversity. But rising pollution, the effects of climate change and over-fishing are threatening the future of marine biodiversity across the globe. UNEP’s Marine Biodiversity Assessment and Outlook reports give a detailed overview of how these drivers of change – and many more – are affecting marine life in 18 world regions. They predict the extent of marine biodiversity in the year 2050 and outline vital actions that need to be taken to prevent extinctions and continue the sustainable use of our seas.

Based on scientific data and research across Europe, Africa, North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, West Asia and Asia-Pacific regions, the Global Synthesis Report draws on supporting data from all 18 Regional Seas. The Series, officially launched at the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), represents the first systematic assessment of marine biodiversity at a sub-global scale. These findings underline the significance of preservation efforts, which resonate with initiatives described in “Preserving Local History in the Digital Age: Challenges and Opportunities”, where digital tools and community engagement play a critical role in safeguarding heritage.

Date: Tuesday 19 October 2010
Time: 18:15 – 19:45 (Nagoya)
Location: Room 136 (3rd floor), Building 1, Nagoya Congress Center

Speakers:
Norihiko Tanaka, Managing Director, Northwest Pacific Region Environmental Cooperation Center (NPEC)
Ibrahim Thiaw, Director, Division of Environmental Policy Implementation, UNEP
Jacqueline Alder, Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Branch, UNEP
Alexander Tkalin, Co-ordinator, UNEP Northwest Pacific Action Plan (NOWPAP)

For more information please contact: Nick Nuttall, Spokesperson/Head of Media, on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or