Topic: water

This paper assesses the policy influence of previous coastal ecosystem economic valuations in the Caribbean and identifies the key “enabling conditions” for valuations to influence policy, management, or investment decisions. These findings will inform WRI’s and our partners’ efforts to produce a standardized framework for economic valuation of coastal ecosystems in the Caribbean.

AU Optronics (AUO), a multinational electronics manufacturer, conducted a global geographic water risk assessment using WRI’s Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas. This assessment aims to identify which of AUO’s fabrication plants are located in or source water from areas facing potential water risks. Companies and investors can use this paper to understand how to use Aqueduct’s Water Risk Atlas to inform their own water risk assessments and corporate water strategies.

Reefs at Risk Revisited in the Coral Triangle

This report is a map-based analysis of threats to coral reefs around the world, with particular focus on the countries of the Coral Triangle—Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste. It examines present pressures on coral reefs, including overfishing and destructive fishing, coastal development, and pollution from land and sea, as well as projected threats from climate-related ocean warming and acidification. It also studies the social and economic vulnerability of countries to reef loss and examines existing management efforts. Read more

This issue brief describes analyses by the World Resources Institute (WRI) in support of emerging payments for watershed services (PWS) programs in two major watersheds in Maine and North Carolina and insights gleaned from work in progress. The three pilot initiatives discussed represent different approaches to establishing PWS programs that protect forests and other green infrastructure elements.

2011 Eco-Audit of the Mesoamerican Reef Countries

This Eco-Audit evaluates efforts to protect and sustainably manage the region’s coral reefs; celebrates management success stories; and documents the extent to which recommended management actions have been implemented in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.

Exploring Threats to Coral Reefs with GIS Data Sets

This piece originally appeared in the Winter 2012 edition of Esri’s ArcUser Magazine. The full text, graphics, and GIS datasets are available here.

Shale Gas: Friend or Foe?

A Special Letter from WRI Interim President Manish Bapna

Initiative to provide unprecedented level of water risk information for business and government

Experts and innovators meet to chart the future of ecosystem conservation

A new report on the state of the world’s oceans is gaining considerable attention this week.

This post originally appeared on The Asia Water Project website, and is reposted with permission.

Reduced power, blocked supply chains are reminder of water risks.

These tables serve as a reference document containing the key design elements of nutrient trading programs in four Chesapeake Bay states: Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

A conversation with Céline Cousteau.

May 18 event at Sea Grill is a tribute to Captain Cousteau and our fragile ocean world