Lithuania joins IHO as final EU coastal nation
Lithuania has become the 103rd Member State of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), marking a historic milestone as the final EU coastal nation to join. Through this membership, the country seeks to strengthen the capabilities of its hydrography professionals and broaden the data streams overseen by its Hydrography Division.
Water shapes Lithuania far beyond its Baltic coastline. The country shares maritime borders with Latvia, Russia (Kaliningrad) and Sweden, and its inland landscape is dotted with more than 2,800 lakes, 1,500 ponds and over 700 rivers longer than 10 kilometres. At the meeting point of land and sea lies the Curonian Lagoon – a distinctive semi-enclosed body of water linked to the Baltic by a narrow strait – highlighting Lithuania’s deep connection to both inland and marine waters.
Better equipped to address Lithuania’s maritime priorities
“By joining the IHO, we want to further enhance the expertise of hydrography professionals and expand the data streams managed by the Hydrography Division. This will help us develop new navigational products to support safe navigation, national security, environmental protection and other national needs, such as offshore wind energy development,” commented Mindaugas Zakarauskas, head of the Hydrography Division of Lithuania.
By strengthening its hydrographic services and becoming a full Member State of the IHO, Lithuania will be better equipped to address its maritime priorities, support trade and contribute to global initiatives on safe navigation and ocean knowledge,” stated Mathias Jonas, Secretary-General of the IHO.
As a Member State, Lithuania will have access to the full IHO Capacity-Building programme as well as to an international network of experts. Lithuania’s membership brings the total number of IHO Member States to 103, reaffirming the Organization’s role as a truly global body fostering cooperation in hydrography, nautical cartography and the sustainable use of the seas.
Active participation
Lithuania’s accession to the IHO is the natural outcome of years of active participation in regional maritime and hydrographic initiatives. Lithuania has been a valued member of the Baltic Sea Hydrographic Commission, supporting safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment in one of the world’s busiest inland seas.
Lithuania is also active in international efforts to sustainably manage fisheries, safeguard the marine environment and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Like other Baltic States, it faces challenges such as pollution, shifting ecosystems and decreasing seasonal ice cover.
