EATHC Closes another period of work in Lisbon

The sixteenth Conference of the Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission (EAtHC) of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), currently chaired by Portugal, through the Director-General of the Hydrographic Institute, Rear Admiral Ventura Soares, ended today. This meeting, which began on September 29, brought together the most diverse coastal countries of the East Atlantic, as well as representatives of IHO and the Hydrographic Services of countries with nautical cartography responsibilities in this region, the first in a hybrid format (in-person and videoconference).

On this last day, in addition to the closing of the works, with the formal definition of future actions to be developed either by EAtHC or by the nations involved, it is also worth noting the signing of the EAtHC statutes by the Democratic Republic of Congo, a member of the IHO, which passes also to be part of this regional commission.

The Director-General of the Hydrographic Institute and President of EAtHC closed this plenary session emphasizing that the objectives of this meeting were achieved. Having also highlighted the presence of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is now also a Member of EAtHC, and the format of the current meeting that will be maintained in future editions, where physical presence is of great importance, for the enlightened discussion of the most diverse issues, but where also virtual and remote participation allows other member states to be present.

The next EAtHC plenary meeting is planned for September 2022.