World Hydrography Day
World Hydrography Day, 21 June, was adopted by the International Hydrographic Organization as an annual celebration to publicise the work of hydrographers and the importance of hydrography, particularly in the promotion of safe navigation in international waters and ports, and the protection of marine reserves.[1]
Origins
The International Hydrographic Bureau was established in 1921 for the purpose of providing a mechanism for consultation between governments on such matters as technical standards, safe navigation and the protection of the marine environment. In 1970 the name was changed to the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). The IHO is actively engaged in developing standards and interoperability, particularly in relation to the challenges brought about by digital technologies.[2]
In 2005 the IHO adopted the concept of a World Hydrography Day, which was "welcomed" by the United Nations General Assembly in resolution A/RES/60/30 Oceans and the law of the sea.[3]
Purpose
World Hydrography Day was adopted, in the words of the UN,[3] with the aim of:
... giving suitable publicity to its [IHO's] work at all levels and of increasing the coverage of hydrographic information on a global basis ...
Translation of this aim through World Hydrography Day is achieved by the nomination of a theme for each year's celebration. Once a theme is agreed, the member states, international and national hydrographic organisations and services develop activity programs and events that highlight that theme.
Commemoration
A theme for each World Hydrography Day is determined by the member states of the International Hydrographic Organisation and is intended to promote the importance of hydrography internationally, multilateral cooperation and effective collaboration in data exchange, charting and standards development.
Recent themes have been:
- 2012 International Hydrographic Cooperation - Supporting safe navigation
- 2011 Human Resources - The important element for success of hydrography
- 2010 Hydrographic Services - The essential element for maritime trade
- 2009 Hydrography - Protecting the marine environment
Activities
Member states of the IHO, as well as international and national hydrographic organisations and services worldwide, engage in a range of activities on or around 21 June each year to mark World Hydrography Day. These include:
- Awards
- Conferences
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Lectures
- Dinners
- Public events
- Demonstrations
- Promotional material
References
- ^ "World Hydrography Day". International Hydrographic Organization. 16 May 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
- ^ IHO Transfer Standard for Digital Hydrographic Data, Publication S-57 Edition 3.1 (PDF), International Hydrographic Bureau, November 2002, retrieved 5 November 2012
- ^ a b Resolution adopted by the General Assembly, 60/30. Oceans and the law of the sea, United Nations General Assembly, 8 March 2006, retrieved 5 September 2012
External links
- World Hydrography Day. NOAA's National Ocean Service. 21 June 2010. Retrieved 5 September 2012.