About World Hydrography Day
World Hydrography Day celebrates the work of hydrographers and the importance of hydrography in understanding our oceans and waterways. Established by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), this day highlights the vital role hydrographic data plays in maritime safety, environmental protection, and sustainable development of the marine environment.
Celebrating 2025 World Hydrography Day
& 2025 West African Hydrographic Summit
- Theme: Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action
- Venue: Abuja Continental Hotel.
- Date: 19 – 21 June 2025
Resource Persons
Call for Exhibition
Interested organizations and companies are invited to showcase their hydrographic products and equipment at the 2025 WHD event. This is a unique opportunity to demonstrate your technological advancements and engage with a global audience of maritime professionals.
Concept Note and Programme of Events
INTRODUCTION
- The National Hydrographic Agency (NHA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Hydrographic Society (NHS) will be hosting the 2025 World Hydrography Day (WHD) celebration from 19 – 21 June 2025. The WHD is an annual event initiated by the United Nations (UN) via Resolution A/60/30 of 29 November 2005 to create awareness on the contributions of hydrography to the safety of navigation and marine environment globally. The event is celebrated by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) and the Hydrographic Offices (HOs) of member states. Accordingly, the theme of the 2025 WHD event is: “Seabed Mapping: Enabling Ocean Action”.
- This year’s theme is designed to highlight the crucial role of seabed mapping in advancing ocean initiatives by providing essential geospatial data for safe navigation, marine resource management and sustainable maritime development. The theme aligns with the IHO’s Strategic Plan Goals, particularly Goal 3 (“Participating actively in international initiatives related to the knowledge and sustainable use of the Ocean”) and Goal 2 (“Increasing the use of hydrographic data for the benefit of society”. The theme also resonates with the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference 2025, which will focus on accelerating action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.
- As the international community prepares for the 2025 WHD, it is essential for West African nations to align their regional priorities with this global agenda. In this regard, the 2025 WHD celebration will take on a broader scope with the inaugural West African Hydrographic Summit (WAHS), marking a significant milestone for regional hydrographic collaboration. This initiative is aimed at fostering regional cooperation, promoting innovation, and addressing the challenges and opportunities in hydrography across West Africa.
- Accordingly, the event will bring together hydrographic and maritime stakeholders, as well as policymakers nationally and internationally to discuss the role of seabed mapping in enabling ocean action, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing maritime safety and efficiency. This initiative is therefore timely, considering the need to strengthen regional collaboration to achieve the goals of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). This is even more so as it would promote the role of hydrography in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
OBJECTIVES
- Highlight the importance of seabed mapping by emphasizing the critical role of seabed mapping in supporting nautical charting, sustainable marine energy, fisheries, coastal tourism, biodiversity protection, and ocean change monitoring.
- Promote regional collaboration among stakeholders within West Africa to share hydrographic data, best practices and technological advancements in seabed mapping.
- Enhance maritime safety and efficiency by showcasing how hydrographic information can improve maritime safety, navigation and the blue economy in the region.
- Align with West Africa’s hydrographic efforts with global initiatives, such as the United Nations Ocean Conference 2025 and the IHO’s Strategic Plan.
- Recognize and celebrate the contributions of West African nations to global hydrography, particularly in support of the Seabed 2030 Project.
TARGET AUDIENCE
PAPERS TO BE PRESENTED
Three papers would be delivered during the plenary session on 20 June 2025, while two keynote lectures would be presented on 21 June 2025.
Accordingly, the following will be presented in chronological order:
- Mapping the Ocean Floor: The GEBCO 2030 Vision for Maritime Safety and Sustainable Development.
Focuses on the importance of global seabed mapping efforts particularly the Nippon Foundation - GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project in enhancing maritime safety and sustainable ocean governance. It will explore how comprehensive seafloor data improves navigation, supports port development and informs policy decisions or responsible ocean management.
Additionally, the lecture will highlight the role of international collaboration in strengthening Africa’s hydrographic capabilities and ensuring that seabed mapping contributes to the Blue Economy and global ocean sustainability goals.
- Innovations in Hydrographic Technology: Enabling Data-Driven Decisions for Ocean Sustainability.
This topic will focus on advances in hydrographic equipment and data-processing tools that empower stakeholders to address global ocean challenges.
- Hydrography and the Blue Economy: Ensuring Safe and Sustainable Offshore Energy Exploration in Africa.
This topic will focus on the importance of seabed mapping for renewable energy projects, including offshore wind farms and oil exploration, while minimizing environmental impacts.
- Seabed Mapping and Ocean Knowledge: Advancing Sustainable Development in Africa.
This topic focuses on the role of seabed mapping in enhancing ocean literacy, marine conservation and sustainable resource management in Africa.
It also focuses on how UNESCO supports ocean science, capacity building and international collaboration for sustainable ocean governance. In addition, the importance of hydrography in achieving Africa’s Blue Economy goals and the UN SDGs would be highlighted.
- Hydrography as a Catalyst for Global Ocean Action and Sustainable Development.
This topic will focus on IHO’s efforts in advancing hydrographic standards and data sharing to support ocean conservation, climate resilience, and the blue economy.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
At the end of the event, the following outcomes are expected:
- Strengthened partnerships among West African nations for sharing hydrographic data and resources.
- Increased awareness and adoption of hydrographic data for safer and more efficient maritime navigation.
- Enhanced technical skills and knowledge among West African hydrographers and maritime stakeholders.
- Greater recognition of West Africa’s contributions to global hydrographic initiatives, particularly the Seabed 2030 Project.
- Increased public awareness of the importance of hydrography and seabed mapping for ocean sustainability.
CONCLUSION
The WAHS and 2025 WHD Celebration will serve as a platform to highlight the critical role of seabed mapping in enabling ocean action and promoting sustainable development.
By bringing together hydrographers, policymakers, and maritime stakeholders from across the region, the summit will foster collaboration, enhance maritime safety, and align West Africa’s hydrographic efforts with global ocean initiatives.
This event will not only celebrate the achievements of the nation and region in hydrography but also pave the way for future advancements in seabed mapping and ocean sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is World Hydrography Day?
A day dedicated to celebrating the contributions of hydrographers and the importance of hydrographic data in maritime safety and environmental protection.
Who can register for the event?
Anyone interested in maritime activities, hydrographic innovations, and sustainable ocean practices can register.
How can I exhibit my products?
Organizations and companies can apply for exhibition by clicking on the “Exhibit Now” button and following the registration process.
