Today We Celebrate World Hydrography Day
Today we celebrate World Hydrography Day. Held every year on 21 June, it highlights the importance of hydrography and why it is still relevant. This year, it coincides with the 100th anniversary of the IHO, which marks a century of international cooperation in hydrography – which also is the theme of this year’s edition.
The IHO was established in 1921 as the International Hydrographic Bureau (IHB) and began its activities with 18 nations as members. The Principality of Monaco was selected as the seat of the organization as a result of the offer of Albert I of Monaco to provide suitable accommodation for the Bureau in the Principality.
World Hydrography Day is an opportunity for the IHO and its current 94 Member States to reaffirm their commitment to raising awareness of the importance of hydrography and to continue to coordinate their activities.
On 29 November 2005, the United Nations adopted Resolution A/60/30, which: “welcomes the adoption by the International Hydrographic Organization of the World Hydrography Day […] with the aim of increasing the coverage of hydrographic information on a global basis, and urges all States to work with that organization to promote safe navigation, especially in the areas of international navigation, ports and where there are vulnerable or protected marine areas.”
Over the past century, hydrographic surveying and nautical charting has come a long way. At Hydro International, we are committed to keep you informed on where hydrography is heading while not losing sight of the rich history of our industry.
