Final Report on the Framework Agreement for 2008–2009

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. 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 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

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