World Hydrography Day is annually celebrated across the globe on 21st June to create awareness about Hydrography and its importance in improving knowledge of the seas and oceans.
- The theme for World Hydrography Day 2022 is “Hydrography – contributing to the United Nations Ocean Decade”.
Background:
i.World Hydrography Day was approved and implemented as an annual celebration by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). IHO has been celebrating World Hydrography Day since 2005.
ii.The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/60/30 “Oceans and the law of the sea” on 29th November 2005 and welcomed the adoption of the “World Hydrography Day” by IHO.
Why June 21?
June 21 is chosen as the World Hydrography Day since the date marks the anniversary of the establishment of IHO under the name “International Hydrographic Bureau”.
- International Hydrographic Bureau was renamed as International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) in 1970.
The UN’s Ocean Decade – UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030:
UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/72/73 on 5th December 2017 and proclaimed the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development for the 10-year period beginning on 1 January 2021(2021-2030).
What is Hydrography?
i.Hydrography is a branch of applied sciences that deals with the measurement and description of the physical features of oceans, seas, coastal areas, lakes and rivers as well as the prediction of their change over time.
ii.Primary purpose of hydrography is the safety of navigation and support of all other marine activities such as economic development, security and defence, scientific research, and environmental protection.
About International Hydrographic Organization (IHO):
The IHO, established in 1921, is an intergovernmental organisation that works to ensure that all the seas, oceans and navigable waters are surveyed and charted.
Secretary-General– Dr Mathias Jonas (Germany)
Headquarters– Monaco
