Annual Report 1999

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GRID-Arendal as UNEP's Key Centre on Polar Environmental Assessment and Early Warning issues with particular focus on the Arctic.

Environmental Information Communications Capacity Building

1| www.inac.gc.ca/ncp 2| www.grida.no/amap/assess/soaer-cn.htm 3| www.grida.no/add

Russian Arctic Analysis of Gaps in the Network of Protected Areas In collaboration with the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC) in the UK, GRID-Arendal conducted an analysis of gaps in the protected areas in the Russian Arc- tic. This project was in support of the Conservation of Arc- tic Flora and Fauna's Circumpolar Protected Areas Network (CAFF-CPAN).

Vital Arctic Graphics GRID-Arendal produced a series of 40 vital Arctic graphics in co-operation with the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP).

AMAP Vital Graphic

CAFF Gap Analysis Map

AMAP API Report Map

Testing of LLMS During GRID-Arendal's 10th Anniversary, UNEPnet tested the LLMS (Little-Leo Messaging System) for potential use in the remote regions of Arctic Russia. The LLMS offers a low- cost, world-wide electronic mail service using advanced communication technology. The system is supported by the European Space Agency, and targets customers in regions with little conventional means of communicating.

This illustrates the simplicity of the LLMS system: an antenna, a PC and a terminal.

Environment and Health GRID-Arendal, WHO, the Arctic Council (AMAP) and Arctic Indigenous peoples (Saami council) have developed a pro- gramme on Arctic Indigenous Peoples, Environment and Health. This is a response to the MoU between UNEP and WHO signed in Arendal and a request from the Arctic Leaders summit in Moscow in September. UNEP and WHO will fund the initiation of this programme.

Biodiversity in Arctic Russia (GEF proposal) GRID-Arendal has worked together with CAFF and the Russian Federation State Commitee on Environment Protection to develop a GEF project called Integrated Eco- system Approach to Conserve Biodiversity and Minimize Habitat Fragmentation in the Russian Arctic. The full proj- ect will focus on conserving and ensuring sustainable use of globally significant biodiversity.