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Integrated coastal zone mapping: New atlas improves oil spill contingency in West Greenland
The environmental oil spill sensitivity atlas of West Greenland has proven to be a success. The atlas is used by international oil companies and Greenland authorities as the foundation for a well-functioning contingency in connection with oil exploration. It has therefore been decided to extent the atlas.
The atlas provides an overview of such aspects as animal and plant habitats that are particularly sensitive to oil spills. This enables oil companies and authorities to plan exploration and contingency activities in advance so as to minimize the risk to the environment – and to identify where to focus their efforts if an accident should occur.
When extended, the integrated coastal zone mapping will contain detailed information on such aspects as the fauna and coastal types and hunting and fishing along 38,000 km of the West Greenland coastline. The information derives from scientific studies and interviews with local fishermen and hunters, and is collated on digital charts. The natural differences along the coast are of great significance as regards the impact an oil spill might have. The sensitivity of the individual areas to oil spills has therefore been modelled and assessed.
The atlas was developed collaboratively by a number of Greenlandic and Danish institutions with the National Environmental Research Institute serving as project coordinator. The atlas was financed by the Greenland Home Rule and Danish Cooperation for Environment in the Arctic (Dancea).
Further Information: Anders Mosbech, National Environmental Research Institute. Phone: +45. 4630 1934. E-mail: amo@dmu.dk
See the current environmental atlas at: http://environmental-atlas.dmu.dk
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