WORLD HYDROGRAPHY DAY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) celebrated the World Hydrography Day recently.

World Hydrography Day

• About: Initiated in 2006, it aims to raise awareness about hydrography's crucial role in enhancing understanding of the world's seas and oceans.
• History: Celebrated on June 21st each year, it coincides with the establishment of the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) in 1921, highlighting its foundational contributions to marine science and safety.
• Theme for 2024: Hydrographic Information - Enhancing Safety, Efficiency and Sustainability in Marine Activities.

International Hydrographic Organisation

• About: It is an intergovernmental technical consultative organisation established under the Convention on the IHO.
• Established in: 1921.
• Headquarters: Monaco, Europe.
• Aim: Ensures surveying and charting of all seas, oceans, and navigable waters worldwide.
• Membership: Currently comprises 100 member states as of 2024, encompassing coastal and landlocked nations.

oIndia has been a member since 1955.

• Objectives:

oEnsures accuracy and uniformity of hydrographic charts and publications worldwide.

oCoordinates activities of national hydrographic offices to promote uniformity in nautical charts and documents.

oAdopts reliable and efficient methods for hydrographic surveys and exploitation.

oAdvances sciences and techniques in hydrography and descriptive oceanography.