Scientists linked to hydrography strongly urged for enhancing cooperation and coordination for promoting the Blue Economy of Bangladesh.
They also suggested taking the opportunity to emphasize the ability of hydrographers to gather and manage marine data and their strengths in technical collaboration on a global scale.
They made the recommendations at a seminar organized at BNS ISSA KHAN Multipurpose Hall in Chattogram Naval Base under the management of Chief Hydrographer of Bangladesh Navy on Tuesday.
The seminar was held on the occasion of the World Hydrography Day, celebrated on June 21 of each year to commemorate the establishment of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). Basically, it is designed to raise awareness among the mass people about hydrography and to give ideas on how it plays a role in improving knowledge of the seas and oceans.
This year's World Hydrography Day theme is - ‘Hydrography - Contributing to the United Nations Ocean Decade’. The theme is intended to highlight the relevant contribution of hydrography as a discipline of applied sciences to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021- 2030) in short 'Ocean Decade'.
On the occasion, Commander Chattogram Naval Area Rear Admiral M Nazmul Hassan was present as the chief guest. High officials from various ministries, members of the National Hydrographic Committee, Hydrography and Maritime Organizations, Port Authorities, Universities, Maritime Research & Training Institutes and many Hydrographers were present at the seminar.
Sustainable ocean management, remote sensing in oceanography, Blue Economy and the importance of ocean literacy in achieving the UN Ocean Decade Goal were discussed in the seminar by Hydrographers and ocean science experts.
The speakers also emphasized the enhancement of cooperation and coordination between the stakeholders related to Hydrography for promoting the Blue Economy of Bangladesh.
Chief Hydrographer Commodore A K M Sherafullah of Bangladesh Navy delivered the welcome speech, whereas the Director Hydrography Captain M Minarul Hoque presented the keynote paper.
Bangladesh is the 70th member of International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). Understanding climate change, monitor the movement of pollutants and protect biodiversity, data and metadata derived during the hydrographic survey are extremely useful for collaboration with ocean science.
Bangladesh Navy acts as the focal point of all hydrographic matters in the sea area of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Navy Hydrographic Services have already developed its capability to produce international standard nautical charts strictly adhering to IHO standards.
With high regard for professionalism, Bangladesh Navy has published all the required paper charts and Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) for its sea area. These charts are updated periodically, accepted by the national and international marine communities, and distributed worldwide to ensure safe navigation.