The IHO capacity building efforts in the region
Gorziglia, Hugo Mario
The International Hydrographic Organization is an intergovernmental organization with a consultative and technical character, contributing to safety to navigation and protection of the marine environment through the coordination of the activities of National Hydrographic Services. The organization seeks for the greatest uniformity of nautical charts and complementary publications, as well as the adoption of the safest and most efficient methods of conducting hydrographic surveys and production of nautical charts. The Organizationns Capacity Building effort has it base in the worldwide status of hydrographic surveying and nautical charting, together with the marine safety information provision. After a careful assessment, some regions in the world have been identified as having severe shortcomings in the collection and compilation of hydrographic data and the publication, dissemination and keeping up to date of all nautical information necessary for safe navigation. This paper makes special reference to the IHO systematic approach developed to go in support of West Africa, to raise awareness on the importance of hydrography as a vital component to social and economic development. The IHO program has included technical visits to several countries in the region; a technical workshop on the first phase of the development of hydrographic surveying and nautical capability and a seminar for the chairmen of the national hydrographic committees or equivalent, responsible to foster initiatives to improve the actual situation. The IHO continues the follow up of the progress so far made, and is ready to explore in conjunction with the national authorities the inclusion of a new element in the overall program. The initiative considers the possibility to establish in the region an academic unit that would facilitate the education and training in the disciplines of hydrography and nautical charting.
Event: 5th FIG Regional Conference for Africa : Promoting Land Administration and Good Governance
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