Publication Name

together the leading international experts in deep-sea

mining and sustainable development to examine new

ways to plan and regulate the development of non-liv-

ing resources.

The first commercial deep-sea mining lease grant-

ed in Papua New Guinea territorial waters to mine

‘high grade’ Seafloor Massive Sulphide (SMS) de-

posits has triggered a growing interest in mining

deep-sea minerals in the Pacific Region. SMS de-

posits include copper, gold, silver, zinc and lead. In

addition to SMS, the seabed of the region is

abundant in manganese nodules and cobalt rich

crusts.

The pioneering atlas, the

Seafloor Geomorphology as Benthic Habitat: GeoHAB Atlas of Seafloor Geomor- phic Features and Benthic Habitats ,

was released in

December 2011. Two hundred and thirty contribu-

tors have constructed 54 case studies of different geo-

morphic environments,

from coastal regions to the

deep ocean basins. The case studies combine de-

tailed seabed morphology

with benthic biodiversity

analysis to yield an integrated picture of the benthic

communities that are associated with different types

of benthic habitat. This publication is the first product

in an

international collaborative 5-year project

managed

by GRID-Arendal that aims to provide tools to support

sustainable management of the oceans both within

and beyond national jurisdiction, with a focus on benthic

environments.

Following the work on UNEP’s Green Economy Report,

GRID-Arendal was tasked with the development of two

further reports in the Green Economy series. The

Green

Economy in Small Island Developing States

will present

how a green economy can help SIDS in addressing

their unique challenges and vulnerabilities. The G

reen

Economy in a Blue World Report

will explore opportu-

nities for greening six economic sectors

in order to

protect marine ecosystems and their services while

supporting sustainable development. Beyond produc-

tion and coordination of the report, GRID-Arendal

is contributing analytic content on future exploitation

of deep-sea minerals drawing on experience

gained through the initiative with the Secretariat

of the Pacific Community (SPC). GRID-Arendal

will support the launch of the Synthesis Report

January 2012.

The

University of the Sea (UOS)

, a partnership be-

tween GRID-Arendal and the Intergovernmental

Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, builds

scientific capacity by bringing together senior research-

ers and young scholars to address marine science

issues. In 2011 the UOS worked on expanding

the programme to Africa and building relationships

with the International Seabed Authority and the

international scientific organisation, INTERIDGE.

It is envisaged that in 2012 the UOS will begin

delivering marine capacity building opportunities

to developing country students in close partnership

with these organisations.

Wind turbines offshore/Scroby Sands wind farm, Caister-on-Sea, Norfolk, UK. Photo courtesy of: Adrian Beesley (iStock photo)

28. Definition of geomorphic environment: Of or relating to the form of

the landscape and other natural features of the earth’s surface.

29. Definition of morphology: The study of the forms of things, in par-

ticular; the branch of biology that deals with the form of living organ-

isms, and with relationships between their structures.

30. Fisheries and aquaculture; Maritime transport, Marine-based re-

newable energy; Ocean nutrient pollution; Coastal tourism, and; Deep-

sea minerals.

31. At the 3

Intergovernmental Review Panel of the Global Programme

of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-

based Activities. The full report will be completed in time for the Rio+20

Conference.