The Global Sand Observatory is a new UNEP/GRID-Geneva initiative that aims to develop knowledge and provide decision making support on sustainable sand extraction and use.

Sand resource governance is one of the greatest sustainability challenges of the 21st century. A number of international institutions, governments, journalists, civil society organisations, research centres, and companies around the world have been placing this topic on the environmental political agenda in recent years. As a result, there is a growing call for improved sustainability practices in sand extraction and within major use sectors, like cement production, construction, and land reclamation.   

Progress on this agenda will require more reliable data and statistics on where, how, and for what purposes sand is being extracted. Advancing this fundamental knowledge is the main focus for the first phase of the initiative (June 2020 to February 2021) while we develop a longer-term strategy for 2021 and beyond.

We are currently exploring partnership possibilities. Please contact us if you or your organisation would like to discuss joining us in this endeavour.