From: Brian LucasSubject: Interactive Baltic environmental map server launched Interactive Baltic environmental map server launched Anyone with a standard web browser can now create environmental maps of the Baltic Sea Region. At the Baltic Environmental Atlas web site, http://maps.grida.no/baltic, visitors can choose themes such as land use and population density, and display them along with other features of interest on customized maps. The new service concentrates on factors related to the problem of eutrophication, which threatens biodiversity, reduces fish catches, and damages the recreational potential of coastal areas. Eutrophication is considered to be one of the most serious environmental and economic problems in the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Environmental Atlas draws on data from one of the most popular environmental web sites in the region over the last five years, the Baltic Sea Region GIS, Maps and Statistical Database (http://www.grida.no/baltic/). It was developed by GRID-Arendal, a United Nations Environment Programme information centre, as part of the Baltic On-line Interactive Geographical and Environmental Information Service (BOING) project funded by the European Union. For more information, please contact: Project Manager Hugo Ahlenius, tel. +47-37035713, email ahlenius@grida.no, or Project Co-ordinator Sindre Langaas, tel. +46-8-7908612, email langaas@grida.no http://maps.grida.no/baltic/ Interactive On-line Mapping Tool for the Baltic Region http://www.grida.no/boing/ The BOING project website http://www.grida.no/baltic/ Baltic Sea Region GIS, Maps and Statistical Database http://www.grida.no/ GRID-Arendal web site