CL 40/2016 - 2017 HL ja artikkel

IHB File No. S1/1900/A CIRCULAR LETTER 40/2016 22 August 2016 WORLD HYDROGRAPHY DAY – PROPOSED THEME FOR 2017 References: A. IHO CL 81/2015 dated 26 November - Theme for World Hydrography Day 2016 B. IHO CL 34/2016 dated 21 July - Recent developments related to the IHO-IOC GEBCO Project Dear Hydrographer, 1. As announced in Reference A, the theme of World Hydrography Day (WHD) 2016 was “Hydrography – the key to well-managed seas and waterways”. This theme was intended to highlight the fundamental importance of hydrography and our knowledge of the shape, nature and depth of the seafloor as a fundamental enabler of the proper, safe, sustainable and cost effective use of the world’s seas, oceans and waterways. 2. The following IHO Member States have reported hosting events in connection with World Hydrography Day 2016: Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Finland, Indonesia, Japan, Mauritius, Monaco, Pakistan, Suriname, UK and USA. Reports are available at: www.iho.int > Home> About IHO > World Hydrography Day > WHD 2016 Celebrations around the world. Other Member States have programmed events for later in the year. As announced in the Reference, World Hydrography Day was celebrated in Monaco in conjunction with the “Forum for Future Ocean Floor Mapping” organized by the IHO-IOC GEBCO Guiding Committee from 15 to 17 June. Proposed theme for World Hydrography Day 2017 3. Taking into account the discussions at the Forum for Future Ocean Floor Mapping held in Monaco in June (see Reference B) and the fact that the depth has not been directly measured in about 50% of the World’s coastal waters and about 90% of the oceans, the Directing Committee proposes the following theme for WHD 2017: “Mapping our seas and oceans - more important than ever.” 4. In addition to raising awareness of the wide potential uses of hydrographic data in general, this theme may be used in particular to raise awareness of the current lack of comprehensive data to underpin many maps and charts of the seas and oceans. It may help promote and encourage innovative supplementary data gathering and data maximizing initiatives already under investigation in the IHO, including crowd-sourced bathymetry (volunteered geographic data) and satellite-derived bathymetry. This, in turn, will help to promote the increasing role of those involved in hydrography in maritime spatial data infrastructures and the benefits of making hydrographic data accessible to the widest possible audience for uses that go well beyond the safety of navigation. 5. The Directing Committee invites Member States to consider the proposed theme for WHD 2017 “Mapping our seas and oceans - more important than ever” - and to provide their comments, if any, to the IHB no later than 01 November 2016. The Directing Committee would also welcome any comments and suggestions aimed at improving the impact and the organization of annual WHD celebrations. On behalf of the Directing Committee Yours sincerely, Robert WARD President -2-