Publication Name

Global

A review and assessment of

gas hydrates initiated. Currently evaluating viability

and interest of producing a publication on gas hydrates. Initial discussions held with

the director of IFM-GEOMAR, currently engaged in research of gas hydrates in

collaboration with the University of Bergen. A wider consultation with stakeholders

will be conducted in early 2009, and funding options explored.

Further development of the Gas Hydrate initiative, and funding secured for the

project: “Frozen heat: Global Outlook on Methane Gas Hydrates”. Steering

committee established with first meeting held March 4-5 2010 in Arendal. Project

partners include: UNEP-DTIE, Geological Survey of Canada, Canadian Polar

Commission, US National Energy Technology Laboratory (US Dept of Energy),

IFM-GEOMAR (Germany), GANS Project Norway, Japanese National Gas

Hydrates Program, Indian National Gas Hydrates Program, Korean National Gas

Hydrates Program, Statoil and Schlumberger

GA accepted as a partner in the EU funded project Pacific Marine Minerals

Assessment. Majority of proposed steering committee contacted by GA.

Committee committed to attend meeting when project documents are signed by

SOPAC – due to occur April/May 2010. Bibliography of marine mining references

well advanced. Geoscience Australia partnership established. Presentation on the

GA proposal for a regional assessment of marine mining made to the SOPAC

technical meeting, Vanuatu Attendance at the SOPAC Deep Sea Minerals working

group session also held in Vanuatu.

Signing of MOU between GRID Arendal and InterRidge to foster cooperation in

planning and implementing activities related to deep-sea mineralization and

associated benthic habitats.

DEWA A1 Reports and notes on the state of the environment

for global and regional intergovernmental bodies, such as the

UN General Assembly, UNEP governing bodies, Multilateral

Environmental Agreements, regional ministerial fora and the

Environmental Management Group (EMG) to enable them to

carry out informed decision-making processes.

Global

Discussions regarding a review and assessment of

massive sulfide deposits were

initiated in collaboration with Geoscience Australia and individual states. The

viability and interest of producing a publication will be explored through

consultations throughout 2009

DEWA A4 Environmental assessment reports on biodiversity,

ecosystems (i.e. land, forest, freshwater, coastal and marine)

and cross-cutting thematic issues related to environment and

human-well-being of global significance for decision makers to

increase their collective understanding of environmental

challenges and emerging issues.

Regional Field Programme A

Capacity Building, Assessments, Reporting, Partnerships

Countries/Regions

Assisted

Results/Outputs

Contribution to UNEP’s Programme of Work

A1 Capacity Building