The global seafloor geomorphic features map.
Blue Habitats
The Blue Habitats website has been established as a portal for information on the global distribution of marine ‘blue’ habitats. Knowledge on the distribution of blue habitats is an important input into ocean management, marine spatial planning and biodiversity conservation.
Why Blue Habitats?
Conservation International, GRID-Arendal and Geoscience Australia recently collaborated to produce a map of the global distribution of seafloor geomorphic features. The global seafloor geomorphic features map represents an important contribution towards the understanding of the distribution of blue habitats. Certain geomorphic feature are known to be good surrogates for biodiversity. For example, seamounts support a different suite of species to abyssal plains. A detailed description and analysis of the global geomorphic features map can be found in in the scientific paper published in Marine Geology (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.margeo.2014.01.011). The map and the underlying spatial data can be accessed from this website.
Our Mission
The mission of GRID-Arendal, which was established to support the UN in the field of environment, mainly through its Environment Programme (UNEP), is to create environmental knowledge enabling positive change. This is achieved by organizing and transforming available environmental data into credible, science-based information products, delivered through innovative communication tools and capacity-building services targeting relevant stakeholders.
Our Vision
GRID-Arendal’s vision is a society that understands and values the environment on which it depends. In pursuing this vision, GRID-Arendal strives to be a creative, sustainable and motivating environmental organization making a difference locally and globally.
Our Values
As a UNEP affiliate and partner, we espouse core values that resonate with UNEP’s mission.
Our core values are:
- Integrity
- Professionalism
- Respect for diversity
- Environmental commitment.
As a non-profit foundation with a public mission, we uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. We believe that a commitment to our environment and best practices defines the nature of our work and activities. At the workplace, we respect diversity and gender equality, and our policies reflect this engagement.