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UN to compile online global atlas of sea mammals
3rd August 2003
ABC News Online
The United Nations (UN) will launch a project to compile an online global atlas of whales, seals and other sea mammals targeted at national governments and corporations to promote conservation, a UN Environmental Program official said.
The UN hopes the atlas, also featuring dolphins, polar bears, sea otters and dugongs, will be a comprehensive database of sea mammals, many of which face extinction due to over-hunting and pollution, the official said.
With the help of scientists and environmental conservation groups, data will be gathered on animal numbers and their locations and habitats for posting on the Internet possibly from early next year.
The UN plans to show how these animals are affected by human activities as well as note important areas for breeding so governments can use the atlas as a base for drawing up protection policies and firms can do the same for environmental impact assessments in marine developments.
The official said the atlas web-site may also include photos and sounds the animals make so the site may be used for educational purposes.
For further information please click on the link shown below
UNEP and MARINE MAMMALS
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