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UNEP-WCMC does not assert any intellectual property rights in the data made available to it by data providers.

Access to UNEP-WCMC datasets is provided on the understanding that you read and consent to be bound by the Terms and Conditions set out in the policies below.

Datasets, Tools & Reports

Global Islands Database »

The Global Island Database aims to enhance the participation and role of islands in international decision-making through identifying and bringing together existing sources of data and information relevant to island systems, and presenting new analyses to aid resource managers and decision-making at the island, national, regional, and global level.
The GID also aims to develop linkages, partnerships and collaborations with the wide array of organisations involved in island conservation and decision-making to ensure that the database is up-to-date and relevant, and so it provides a platform for communication and networking.
Resource Type: Tools / Applications
Marine and coastal ecosystem services: Valuation methods and their practical application »

Economic valuation of marine and coastal ecosystem services is increasingly being considered to be of critical importance for informed decision-making and effective management of marine and coastal resources.
However, the translation of scientific theory to policy in practice can be challenging.
This report provides an overview of the main methods of economic valuation, their strengths and weaknesses, and practical applications. Theoretical concepts are illustrated with a number of practical examples throughout this report, to demonstrate how these approaches can be of practical use across all scales, in policy development, decision making and communication. Practical guidance on how to implement a valuation exercise, and how to overcome common challenges, is also provided.
Download the report.
Resource Type: Tools / Applications
Ocean Data Viewer »
UNEP-WCMC has been working closely with partners including the CBD Secretariat to implement COP Decision IX/20, to develop an online interactive map and associated tools to support decision making for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the open ocean and deep seas. Building upon this decision, and incorporating related needs in the Island Biodiversity and Protected Areas Programme of Work, UNEP-WCMC has initiated a collaborative Global Marine Data Partnership, whose aim is to:
- convene a network of partners engaged in marine and coastal biodiversity-related monitoring to build collaboration on data collection and standardisation;
- enhance the quality, integration and interoperability of data sets ;
- increase availability and access to this data through online data repository/ies, including an Ocean Data Viewer developed by UNEP-WCMC.
These activities directly respond to SBSTTA recommendation XIV/3, which will be considered by COP10, through, inter alia, enabling improved assessment activities, supporting the identification of ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs), and promoting better understanding of specific and cumulative human impacts, including those of invasive alien species
Resource Type: Tools / Applications
Impacts of Ocean Fertilization on Marine Biodiversity »

On behalf of the CBD Executive Secretary, UNEP-WCMC has compiled and synthesized available scientific information on ocean fertilization and its observed and predicted impacts on marine biodiversity and habitats. The study will inform the review of the CBD marine and coastal programme of work in 2010.
Resource Type: Reports
Climate change and coral bleaching »

Coral reefs are a critical global resource, both biologically, and in socio-economic terms. Coral reefs are also highly sensitive to climatic influences and appear to number among the most sensitive of all ecosystems to temperature changes, exhibiting the phenomenon known as coral bleaching when stressed by higher than normal sea temperatures.
Resource Type: Reports
Submarine cables and the oceans: connecting the world »

UNEP-WCMC in collaboration with the International Cable Protection Committee and UNEP has prepared a new report which provides an objective, factual description of the sub-marine cable industry and the interaction of submarine telecommunications (which route 95% of all international communications traffic) with the marine environment. This important report seeks to focus and guide deliberations and decision making on the wise conservation and protection of the oceans in concert with their sustainable management and use.
Resource Type: Reports
The Diversity of the Seas: A Regional Approach »

Marine waters cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and open ocean waters comprise by far the most extensive major ecosystem on the planet, but its biodiversity remains poorly-known. WCMC, in collaboration with UNEP's Oceans and Coastal Areas Programme Activity Centre, produced a region-by-region account of select issues in marine biological diversity. Each account includes descriptive text on the oceanography, elements of biodiversity (including estimates of species richness and endemism), and a discussion of marine fisheries and their current status.
Resource Type: Reports
Seamounts, deep-sea corals and fisheries: vulnerability of deep-sea corals to fishing on seamounts beyond areas of national jurisdiction »

Seamounts, deep-sea corals and fisheries aims to raise the awareness of managers, decision makers and stakeholders about the distribution of deep-sea corals on seamounts and their vulnerability to trawling. It provides facts and information to support and guide the international processes within and outside the United Nations system to find solutions for the conservation, protection and sustainable management of seamount ecosystems – before it is too late.
Resource Type: Reports
The Global Trade in Coral »

This study assesses the global trade in coral in an ecological and economic context. Throughout the report emphasis is placed on the trade in live coral for aquaria because the last decade has seen an enormous increase in this business. The taxonomic composition of the trade is identified and the quantities of coral passing between nations illustrate the links between major exporters and importers. Subsequent chapters present data on the practicalities of monitoring international trade in coral at the global scale. Size and growth rate data are used to assess the sustainability of the trade in live coral, and export and retail prices are used to estimate the revenue to exporting nations.
Resource Type: Reports
Impacts of Ocean Acidification on Marine Biodiversity »

UNEP-WCMC has provided technical support to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to conduct a major study of more than 300 scientific literatures to synthesise the observed and predicted impacts of ocean acidification on marine biodiversity. The study, Scientific Synthesis of the Impacts of Ocean Acidification on Marine Biodiversity, describes an alarming picture of possible ecological scenarios and adverse impacts of ocean acidification for marine ecosystems, and highlights the direct link between climate change, ocean health and human well-being. The study was released by the CBD on the 14th December 2009 to mark Oceans Day and inform the climate change negotiations in Copenhagen.
Resource Type: Reports