Based on his Review of Small Cetaceans first published online in 2001, Boris M. Culik describes in this encyclopaedia all 72 toothed whale species (odontocetes), from the smallest, the Gulf of California vaquita to the largest, the giganti sperm whale. This book presents the most recent scientific findings on the distribution, migration, behaviour and threats related to all odontocetes. Up-to-date maps provided by the IUCN Cetacean Specialist Group show the currently known distribution of each species. Colour illustrations by Maurizio Würtz, Genoa University and Artescienza, Italy, provide a realistic view of these marine mammals and nicely complement the book. 

This report shows that there is a way forward for a more sustainable future where restoration of ecosystems, often in the green hills and watersheds surrounding cities, can provide cheaper, efficient and resilient water supply systems in a changing world.

Bioenergy and water are inextricably linked. for the first time, this report examines in depth these interlinkages, highlights the risks and opportunities, and offers an outlook on ways to address them.

Our knowledge of the oceans is increasing rapidly, as more powerful tools for exploration and exploitation make it easier to locate valuable resources, such as fish stocks, oil and gas reserves, or sites for wind and hydropower schemes.

There is an increasing annual demand for water drawn from Asia’s international rivers for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and environment purposes. As a result, nations sharing river systems, lakes and aquifers are vulnerable to tensions and conflicts, which in many are intensified by climate variation and climate change. This report focuses on the challenges and opportunities facing Asia: a continent with intensively utilized groundwater and surface water resources.

This publication highlights the link between rain-water harvesting, ecosystems and human well being and draws the attention of readers to both the negative and positive aspects of using this technology and how the negative benefits can be minimized and positive capitalized.

This report explores the potential for mitigating the impacts of climate change by improved management and protection of marine ecosystems and especially the vegetated coastal habitat, or blue carbon sinks.

The objective of this report is to highlight the critical role of the oceans and ocean ecosystems in maintaining our climate and in assisting policy makers to mainstream an oceans agenda into national and international climate change initiatives. While emissions’ reductions are currently at the centre of the climate change discussions, the critical role of the oceans and ocean ecosystems has been vastly overlooked.

The main problem in North America is the location of water resources relative to large population centers where the majority of the freshwater drains away from the bulk of the population. Climate variability and change is a reality. It raises the impact on variability and availability within the continent, which is characterized by its different climatic regions.

The hydro-vulnerability of Europe is governed by the institutions created to resolve transboundary water issues in a cooperative manner that attempts to prevent potential conflict.

This handbook was conceived as a practical tool to be used by decision- makers and practitioners in both tourism sector and ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management).

Proceedings of the 3rd Regional Workshop on Water and Sustainable Development in the Mediterranean Zaragoza, Spain 19-21 March 2007