Hydrography for inland waterways discussed during visit to Bolivia

The visit enabled IHO Director Luigi Sinapi to learn more about the status of hydrography within the country, as well as to highlight the benefits of IHO membership for a country whose economy is so closely linked to its navigable waterways and lakes.

During the visit to the Guaqui navy base on Lake Titicaca the hydrographic and maritime capacities of the Plurinational State of Bolivia were presented, highlighting the importance of up-to-date knowledge of these waterways which directly or indirectly connect Bolivia to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and to its neighbours Chile, Peru, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

"The Plurinational State of Bolivia has a Hydrographic Service capable of ensuring - by means of up-to-date cartographic products in line with international hydrographic and cartographic standards - the safety of navigation in Lake Titicaca and navigable waterways, in cooperation with the neighbouring States of South America, and actively participates in the work of the South West Atlantic Hydrographic Commission as Observer. The bathymetric updating and production of traditional and electronic nautical cartography contributes to the safe navigation and development of the country's port infrastructures, in line with the IHO's international hydrographic and cartographic standards”.

Executive Director General of SNHN - Captain Alberto Edgar Torrez Alvarez

Discussions focused on the regional and international benefits and opportunities in the event of accession of the country to the IHO, highlighting the extent to which, for a non-coastal state, the national economy can benefit from improved knowledge of its navigable waters. The IHO provides a forum for countries to get together and discuss issues of regional importance.

"The Plurinational State of Bolivia possesses a hydrographic capacity that can ensure safety of navigation in the country's internal waters. Bolivia's membership in the IHO would represent an opportunity for sustainable development and for the economy of the entire country, thanks to the benefits and opportunities offered both at the regional level through participation in the Regional Hydrographic Commissions of South America, and at the international level through the IHO's Capacity Building programme and participation in the various IHO Working Groups and Organs up to the Assembly".

IHO Director – Mr Luigi SINAPI

The visits to the hydrographic and navigation infrastructures of the Bolivian Navy, to the Chief of Staff of the Bolivian Navy, to the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the country’s interest in hydrography and in continuing discussions to join the IHO.

The Bolivian Navy's International Register of Ships (RIBB) was recently certified by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and becoming an IHO member state would be a logical next step.