The Atlas of Ocean Wealth is the largest collection to date of information about the economic, social and cultural values of coastal and marine habitats from all over the world. It is a synthesis of innovative science, led by The Nature Conservancy, with many partners around the world. Through these efforts, we’ve gathered vast new datasets from both traditional and less likely sources.
The work includes more than 35 novel and critically important maps that show how nature’s value to people varies widely from place to place. They also illustrate nature’s potential. These maps show that we can accurately quantify the value of marine resources. Further, by enumerating such values, we can encourage their protection or enhancement for the benefit of people all around the world. In summary, it clearly articulates not just that we need nature, but how much we need it, and where.
Like tiles in a mosaic, the coastline of my home country Greece is braided by and scattered between thousands of islands and some of the brightest blue and aquamarine seas. I love these waters, and I’m not alone in my enthusiasm.
Around the world, oceans breathe life into coastal communities, and their health is vital to the future of our planet.
For almost 30 years, The Nature Conservancy has worked with other environmental organizations, scientists and partners to protect the world’s oceans and coasts.
Through the Mapping Ocean Wealth project and the first Atlas of Ocean Wealth, the Conservancy is working to describe—in quantitative terms—all that the ocean does for us today, so that we make smarter investments and decisions affecting what the ocean can do for us tomorrow.