New face of the World Database on Protected Areas

A joint project of IUCN and UNEP-WCMC, Protectedplanet.net is the new face of the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA). Protectedplanet has incorporated protected areas data from IUCN and UNEP, biodiversity data from GBIF, images from Google's Panoramio, geographic data from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and articles on protected areas from Wikipedia.

The site has a strong social media component. Citizen scientists are invited to participate in shaping the site by rating photographs, commenting on protected areas, suggesting corrections and adding to the Wikipedia articles. The site clarifies the reliability of its data by differentiating between Authority generated information and Community generated information. More advanced users can download csv, shapefile or kmz files of the data.

Launched in October, it remains to be seen whether the site will generate the user interest and participation needed to create a robust and active resource.

EPA Enforcement Actions

EPA Map of (almost) All Enforcement Actions
http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/reports/endofyear/eoy2009/2009-map-allactions.html
Grist Article
http://www.grist.org/article/2009-12-29-new-epa-map-shows-the-year-in-eco-enforcement/

Battle for climate data

Battle for climate data approaches tipping point'

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20427393.600-battle-for-climate-data-approaches-tipping-point.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=environment

Vital Forest Graphics

http://www.grida.no/publications/vg/forest