The University of Geneva and UNEP coordinate the European project for the development of a Black Sea Catchment Observation System that will store, analyze, visualize and disseminate data and information on past, present and future states of the region to assess and predict its vulnerability and sustainability. A data gap analysis will identify those areas where most efforts for improvement are needed. 30 national and international project partners under the supervision of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River and the Black Sea Commission will provide new data to the planet-wide Group on Earth Observations (GEO).
EnviroGRIDS relies on ultra-modern technology using the largest gridded computing infrastructure in the world and it will serve as a benchmark for the development of the European Directive on Infrastructure for Spatial Information and for the Global Earth Observation System of Systems.
From April 2009 to March 2013 experts and scientists create scenarios of drivers of changes such as climate, demography and land cover. Finally, a web-based observation system, which will include attractive visualisation tools will warn about environmental risks and help regional/governmental agencies to prepare the most adequate responses.
A networking platform as well as virtual and life training courses will support the implementation with the aim to raise public and decision makers’ awareness on key environmental issues as well as on observation system technologies. The promotion of improved data access and use in the Black Sea catchment and the building of regional capacity on Observation Systems will support activities for a sustainable future of the basin. To learn more about the EnviroGRIDS project, please visit: www.envirogrids.net
euronews futuris - Maps: Colouring in the Black Sea