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pervisor for the next environmental atlas that will be
produced by a neighbouring country.
2009 was also great in terms of our financial figures.
Following several years of financial losses, which cul-
minated in 2007, in just over two years we reached the
goal of bringing up the equity of the foundation to 10
million NoK. Major factors for this success were the
Framework Agreement with the Norwegian Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and improved financial management.
In addition the same Ministry came up with additional
requests and funds for increased support to develop-
ing countries enabling them to prepare their submis-
sions for the extension of the continental shelf before
the deadline. With further project funding from various
agencies we raised a total of 56 Million NoK, the high-
est turnover in the history of GRID-Arendal.
2009 also saw a significantly increased focus on GRID-
Arendal’s Human Resourses. In parallel to GRID-Aren-
dal’s new strategy for 2009–2013 our Human Resource
Policy was finalized and an extensive Personnel Hand-
book was published on the revamped Intranet. As a
further indication that 2009 was a good year for GRID-
Arendal, we were pleased to see that the overall staff
satisfaction has increased.
We welcome you to read about these and other positive
achievements in our 20th year. We now look forward
to 2010 with renewed vigor and enthusiasm to support
UNEP in addressing global environmental challenges.
Peter Prokosch
Managing Director
Olav Orheim
Chairman of the Board