UNESCO launched an open access platform that provides resources related to freshwater, marine and coastal ecosystem and biodiversity management in the EU.
The platform shares project case studies, maps, models and tools to support efforts to protect aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem services and contribute to achievement of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy targets.
10 July 2018: The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) launched the ‘AQUACROSS Information Platform.’ The platform will contribute to the AQUACROSS project, which supports the European Union’s efforts to protect aquatic biodiversity and ensure provision of aquatic ecosystem services. Its broader aim is to support achievement of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Strategy targets.
The platform serves as a central access point for data on aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity and ecosystem-based management (EBM) practices related to the AQUACROSS project. These efforts align with the European Union’s aim to facilitate better environmental policy across its membership through collaboration and access to existing spatial data across Europe, improved sharing of spatial data among public authorities and enhanced public access to spatial data.
The Aquacross Information Platform supports 553 datasets for 17 organizations and anticipates adding additional resources over time. [UNESCO Press Release] [AQUACROSS Information Platform] [AQUACROSS Website]