IHO File N° S1/5002
CIRCULAR LETTER 62 /2016
01 December 2016
PROPOSED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE INTERNATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC ORGANIZATION
AND THE MEDITERRANEAN SCIENCE COMMISSION
References:
A. IHO Resolution 5/1957 as amended - IHO relations with other organizations.
B. IHO CL 29/2013 dated 22 April - Proposed Agreement of Cooperation between the
International Hydrographic Organization and the International Maritime Organization -
Progress Report.
C. IHO CL 36/2015 dated 7 May - Approval of Memorandum of Understanding between the
International Hydrographic Organization and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States
Dear Hydrographer,
1. The Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM), established in 1919 with headquarters in
Monaco, is an inter-governmental organization which promotes and encourages research within the
Mediterranean and Black Sea perimeter through a network of several thousand marine researchers,
applying the latest scientific tools to better understand, monitor and protect the marine ecosystems of
the region. The Commission integrates a broad spectrum of marine disciplines, encompassing geo-
physical, chemical and biological processes, along with high-resolution mapping of the sea-bottom.
2. The Commission has grown from the eight founding countries of its origin (Egypt, France,
Greece, Italy, Monaco, Spain, Tunisia and Turkey) to 23 Member States today (Algeria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Malta, Monaco, Morocco, Portugal,
Romania, Russian Federation, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine).
Structured in six committees and various task forces, CIESM runs expert workshops, collaborative
programs and regular congresses, delivering authoritative, independent advice to national and
international agencies.
3. Although the headquarters of both organizations are based in Monaco, the relations between the
IHO and the CIESM have been occasional so far. The main activity in which both organizations were
involved in the past was the regional mapping project of the International Bathymetric Chart of the
Mediterranean.
4. Recent discussions between the Secretariat of the IHO and the Director General of the CIESM,
Professor Frédéric Briand, highlighted significant common interests, beyond the common regional
focus of the CIESM and the Mediterranean and Black Seas Hydrographic Commission. They include
crowd-sourced marine data collection, capacity building and training programmes and materials and
more generally supporting the sustainable development of the blue economy. This led to the proposal
to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the IHO and the CIESM, in accordance
with Reference A, in order to provide a framework for active liaison and cooperation between the
Parties. The proposal was endorsed by the Board of the CIESM, chaired by HSH Prince Albert II of
Monaco, and a draft text was developed and agreed between the Secretary-General of the IHO and the
Director General of the CIESM.
5. The proposed text of the MoU is provided in Annex A (in English only). The format of the
agreement is based on similar agreements enacted by the IHO and other inter-governmental
organisations, notably with the International Maritime Organization (Reference B) and the
Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (Reference C).
6. Subject to no adverse comments being received from IHO Member States and subject to the
approval of the text of the agreement according to the procedures of the CIESM, the Secretary General
will sign the proposed MoU on behalf of the IHO.
7. Member States are kindly requested to review the proposed text at Annex A and to provide their
comments, if any, to the Secretariat of the IHO (
[email protected]) not later than 15 February 2017.
Yours sincerely,
Robert WARD
Secretary-General
Annex A: Draft text of a Memorandum of Understanding between the IHO and the CIESM (in
English only)
2
Annex A to
IHO CL 62/2016
S1/5002
DRAFT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
between
THE INTERNATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC ORGANIZATION (IHO)
and
THE MEDITERRANEAN SCIENCE COMMISSION (CIESM)
The International Hydrographic Organization and the Mediterranean Science Commission
(CIESM), being aware of the benefits of close-co-operation in activities of common interest to
both Organizations and their Member States, agree to this Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU).
Parties
The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), established in 1921, is an
intergovernmental organization which ensures the maintenance of relevant international
standards and guidelines and the global coordination of the provision of hydrographic and
nautical charting services, and engages all coastal and interested States to advance maritime
safety and sustainable use of the marine environment. The IHO has several committees and
working groups to deal with particular technical and policy topics. The IHO has also
encouraged the establishment of Regional Hydrographic Commissions (RHCs) to provide
focus on regional issues. The Mediterranean and Black Seas Hydrographic Commission
(MBSHC) provides a regional focus on the IHO objectives in the Mediterranean and Black
Sea perimeter.
The Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM), established in 1919, is an inter-
governmental organization which promotes and encourages research within the Mediterranean
and Black Sea perimeter through a network of several thousand marine researchers, applying
the latest scientific tools to better understand, monitor and protect the marine ecosystems of
the region. Structured in committees and various taskforces, CIESM runs expert workshops,
collaborative programs and regular congresses, delivering authoritative, independent advice to
national and international agencies.
Purpose
The purpose of this MoU is to provide a framework for active liaison and cooperation
between the Parties in order to:
(i) strengthen scientific and technical cooperation among both Parties, with a view to develop
synergies in their research and monitoring of marine waters, starting with tracking
hydrological change, high-resolution seabed mapping, using ships of opportunity for scientific
surveys, applications for the blue economy;
(ii) exchange relevant experience on issues of mutual interest, including capacity building and
training, as well as knowledge transfer for third parties;
(iii) cooperate towards the provision of technical advice so as to rapidly inform the
development of marine policy in relevant international bodies and conventions.
Scope of activities
The Parties will consult each other on matters of common interest to both with a view to
ensuring maximum coordination of their respective work and activities.
The Secretary-General of IHO and the Director General of CIESM will exchange information
and keep each other informed of projected meetings, activities and programmes of work in
fields of common interest. Accordingly, when either Party proposes to initiate a programme or
activity on a subject in which the other has or may have a substantial interest, consultation
will be initiated between the two with a view to harmonizing their efforts as far as possible.
CIESM will, at the request of IHO, consider providing assistance to IHO with respect to
matters within the scope of activities of IHO; and IHO will, at the request of CIESM, consider
providing assistance to CIESM in matters falling within the scope of activities of CIESM.
Where assistance which is required by either Party under the terms of this MoU involves
substantial expenditure, consultations will take place with a view to determining the most
equitable manner for meeting such expenditure.
Representatives of IHO may attend as observers, and actively participate without the right to
vote, in the scientific sessions of the CIESM Congress and participate in CIESM workshops
at which subjects of specific interest to IHO are being discussed.
Representatives of CIESM may attend as observers, and actively participate without the right
to vote, in the sessions of the IHO Assembly and participate in meetings of IHO subsidiary
bodies at which subjects of specific interest to CIESM are being discussed.
Financial Commitment
It is understood that neither organization can commit the other to any expenditure, save that
from administering this MoU, without the specific written consent of both organizations.
Confidentiality
The Parties undertake to preserve the confidentiality of any document, information or other
material communicated to them in confidence, disclosure of which could harm the other
Party, unless required by law or court order.
Legal status
This MoU does not create a legal obligation between the two organizations which will
maintain their mutual independence. It is further agreed that nothing in this MoU shall bind
any of the Member States of IHO jointly or severally. Similarly, this MoU shall not bind any
of the Member States of CIESM jointly or severally.
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Entry into force, review and termination
This MoU shall come into operation on the date of the last signature.
This MoU shall be reviewed every four years by the two Parties for extension, amendment
or termination.
Signed on behalf of IHO: Signed on behalf of CIESM:
Robert Ward Frédéric Briand
IHO Secretary-General CIESM Director General
DATE DATE
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