UNEP-WCMC: Newest Resources

Centres of Plant Diversity (2013)

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:45:49 +0100

This dataset provides spatial representation for the 234 “Data Sheet Sites” in the Centres of Plant Diversity (Davis et al. 1994-1997). In addition to the 234 priority sites selected for Data Sheet Site treatment, the Centres of Plant Diversity volumes recognize a number of additional sites in the Regional Summaries, but these are not included here. Theoretically, based on spatial information provided for some non-Data Sheet Sites in the CPD volumes (or even just the name of the sites in many cases), it would be possible to map many non-Data Sheet Sites. However, it would be difficult to do so consistently, and, furthermore, only the Data Sheet Sites are based on actual criteria. Specifically, to qualify for “Data Sheet” treatment in the volumes, mainland sites must have >1000 vascular plants, of which at least 100 are endemic to the site or to the phytogeographical region in which the site occurs; island floras must contain at least 50 endemic species or at least 10% of the flora must be endemic.

Species Publications

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:06:26 +0100

UNEP-WCMC produces reports for a number of fora including CITES, the European Commission and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Recent examples of these reports can be downloaded here in PDF format.

World Heritage Information Sheets

Tue, 9 Apr 2013 17:43:54 +0100

UNEP-WCMC and IUCN, with support from UNESCO, compile information sheets for all properties inscribed on the World Heritage List for natural or mixed (natural and cultural) reasons. These sheets are usually prepared following the inscription of a property on the World Heritage List. The sheets are updated from time to time. The latest available sheets are published on this webpage.

Generalised Original and Current Forests (1998)

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:12:23 +0000

Global Generalised 'Original' Forest: This dataset, compiled from various sources at UNEP-WCMC, shows the original extent of global forest cover before human impact. It is divided into needle-leaf forest (NF), non-forest (NON), temperate, broadleaf and mixed forest (TBMF), tropical dry forest (TDF) and tropical moist forest (TMF). This dataset can be used with the dataset showing current forest cover to identify broad change.

Global Generalised 'Current' Forest: This dataset, compiled from various sources at UNEP-WCMC, shows the current (1998) extent of global forest cover. It is divided into needle-leaf forest (NF), non-forest (NON), temperate, broadleaf and mixed forest (TBMF), tropical dry forest (TDF) and tropical moist forest (TMF). This general dataset of global forest cover was produced from a series of regional datasets containing more detailed information of the forest cover. This dataset can be used with the dataset showing original forest cover to identify broad change.

Global Mangroves 2010

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 14:03:59 +0000

This GIS dataset for mangrove distributions was produced for the publication, World Atlas of Mangroves (2010) as joint initiatives of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), United Nations Environment Programme-World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization-Man and Biosphere (UNESCO-MAB), United Nations University-Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Major funding was provided by ITTO through a Japanese Government project grant and the project was implemented by ISME.

UNEP Issue Paper No.7 - Bioenergy and REDD+ : Opportunities and Challenges

Mon, 4 Feb 2013 12:19:42 +0000

How do bioenergy policies relate to the REDD+ mechanism, is the subject of this new Bioenergy Issue Paper jointly authored by UNEP and UNEP-WCMC.
The potential contribution of bioenergy in reducing global emissions of greenhouse gases has been widely debated, both in terms of climate change mitigation potential and potential risk of increases in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from land use change. This has raised the question of how bioenergy policies relate to the REDD+ mechanism developed under the UNFCCC. This issue paper examines the complexity of this relationship and stresses the importance of ensuring policy coherence across the relevant sectors.

For a look at the UNEP Issue Paper Series, please visit:
http://www.unep.org/bioenergy/Issues/UNEPIssuePaperSeries/tabid/79387/Default.aspx

Review of the Literature on the Links between Biodiversity and Climate Change

Mon, 4 Feb 2013 12:15:15 +0000

UNEP-WCMC has been providing technical support to the work of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on biodiversity and climate change. We carried out three reviews of the recent scientific literature and these fed into the deliberations of the CBD’s Second Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group (AHTEG) on Biodiversity and Climate Change. These reviews, entitled Links between Biodiversity and Climate change: Impacts, Adaptation and Mitigation, have now been published as no 42 of the CBD Technical Series. This publication complements the main report from the CBD AHTEG which appears as CBD Technical Series No. 41 Connecting Biodiversity and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.

World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) Data Standards

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 14:29:49 +0000

This document provides information about the standards and data held within the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA). The WDPA Data Standards specify a common set of information that data providers are asked to provide when submitting data to the WDPA. These ensure that the most vital information is collected and that the data is supplied in a common format that is globally interoperable. This document also provides detailed information on the type of information and each attribute/field within the WDPA.

Global Mangroves USGS (2011)

Tue, 8 Jan 2013 17:57:41 +0000

Biodiversity WH

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 17:14:45 +0000

This study reviews the biogeographic and biodiversity coverage of the current World Heritage network and identifies broad gaps. It also identifies priority sites for biodiversity conservation that may merit World Heritage listing in the future and reviews how these could help fill the existing gaps in the network.