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The Republic of Cabo Verde, an archipelago located 500km off the west coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean, has taken a stride towards improving its hydrographic capacity by becoming the 99th Member State of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). This strategic move positions Cabo Verde at the centre of international cooperation in the area of ocean affairs, unlocking a myriad of benefits for the nation and its rich marine environment.

In line with its mandate to plan, administer, and implement Capacity-Building activities, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) conducted a high-level technical visit to the Dominican Republic from 23 – 24 November. The primary focus was to discuss the important role of Hydrographic Services at national, regional, and international levels, emphasizing their contribution to the sustainable development of national economies, and applying to how they pertain to the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service of the Dominican Republic.

With this year seeing a new record number of proposals to name undersea features, members of the GEBCO Sub Committee on Undersea Feature Names (SCUFN) discussed ways to deal with increasingly large numbers of proposals but also how to safeguard data on features in disputed areas.

Representatives of IHO Member States discussed the future of digital data services and other priorities during the meeting of the new IHO Council. Taking place at the Secretariat in Monaco, the 30 countries sitting on Council met for the 1st time with the goal of coordinating the implementation of activities voted on during Assembly in May. The biggest topic of discussion was progress and next steps in the implementation of the Universal Digital Data Model, known as the S-100 framework.

Following the elections during the 3^rd session of the IHO Assembly, Dr. John Nyberg has formally taken up his role as IHO Director at the Secretariat in Monaco.

In order to get to know him better, we asked him questions about his background and aspirations for his tenure at the IHO Secretariat.

As part of its mission to “participate actively in international initiatives related to the knowledge of the sustainable use of the ocean,” the IHO participated in the 32^nd Session of the IOC UNESCO Assembly held in Paris, France from 21-30 June 2023. In addition to engaging in plenary discussions in its role as an Observer, the IHO joined IOC UNESCO in celebrating the 120^th anniversary of their joint project, the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO).

Representatives of the International Hydrographic Organization Member States, observers, and private sector, gathered in Monaco from May 1-5, 2023. The Assembly provided a forum to come together, discuss new developments in technical standards, and ocean mapping, and agree on resolutions to guide activities. Key decisions this year included the future of nautical charts and steps to ensure the ongoing transition to digital products and data services.

During the 2023 International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) Assembly, Secretary General Dr. Mathias Jonas announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA has supported the IHO since 1990 by hosting the IHO Data Center for Digital Bathymetry (DCDB), an online, open-access database that stores ocean depth data from around the world.

Representatives of the 98 Member States of the International Hydrographic Organization will gather for the Assembly, Member State and Industry Exhibition from 1 to 5 May 2023. Held every three years, the gathering provides a forum for countries to come together, discuss new developments in technical standards, ocean mapping and agree on resolutions to guide activities. Key topics this year will include the future of charts and steps to ensure the transition to digital data systems.