Hydro 2023
Description
The International Hydrographic Organization’s publication S-32, The Hydrographic Dictionary, defines the safety of navigation as the primary purpose of hydrography. However, marine challenges on a global scale require a holistic approach that addresses all purposes, with a focus on data availability and hydrospatial data infrastructures as core business. Hydro 23 (Genoa, 7th-9th November 2023) will bring attention to the need for hydrography in all marine activities, with a focus on marine data-driven management and decision-making.
The conference will cover three main areas:
Coastal Resilience
44% of the world’s population (more people than inhabited the entire globe in 1950) live within 150 kilometres of the coast. In 2001 over half the world’s
population lived within 200km of a coastline. The rate of population growth in coastal areas is accelerating and increasing tourism adds to pressure on the environment.
Sustainable underwater infrastructures
Currently, the main method for international telecommunications is the use of submarine cables; 99 percent of international telecommunications is carried over submarine cables. Many critical infrastructures lay in the ocean. A new way to approach the underwater domain is arising. Can hydrography play a new role in this new arena? How can data and information about critical underwater infrastructures be managed?
Blue transition
The Ocean covers more than 70% of the earth’s surface, yet less than 20% of the seafloor is well mapped. The Ocean is a new frontier for energy, food, tourism, and many other human activities. How can hydrography support the blue transition? Can the blue knowledge have its foundation in the comprehensive and homogeneous hydrographic knowledge of the Ocean?