Portugal's Geographical Obligation in Africa
The Hydrographic Institute of Portugal (IHPT) has been at the forefront of a notable effort to improve hydrographic surveys, nautical cartography, and support the development of marine sciences and techniques in Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP). This initiative, known as the MAR ABERTO Initiative, has been instrumental in enhancing maritime capacity in these nations.
The MAR ABERTO Initiative focuses on cooperation with PALOP countries to improve hydrographic survey coverage, update nautical charts, and strengthen maritime safety and security infrastructure. This initiative aims to provide technical assistance, capacity building, and the dissemination of modern hydrographic data to these countries, contributing to safer navigation and better coastal management in line with international standards.
One of the key objectives of the MAR ABERTO Initiative is to address the challenges faced in hydrographic surveys in Africa. The logistics of planning and executing surveys in these regions can be complex, requiring a high adaptive capacity from IHPT teams. The diversity of vessels used in the campaigns adds to the complexity, but IHPT has managed to overcome these challenges.
IHPT's efforts have resulted in substantial contributions to filling gaps in hydrographic data and improving nautical charting processes. This work is crucial for increasing the safety of navigation and addressing environmental concerns in these nations' territorial waters. It also supports the fundamental maritime infrastructure necessary for economic development and environmental protection in these coastal African states.
Mozambique, for instance, has co-produced nautical cartography with dedicated technical support as part of Portugal's Capacity Building efforts. Portugal has also provided training to personnel from various African countries, including Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Cape Verde.
The MAR ABERTO Initiative also aligns with Portugal’s strategic priorities to support climate adaptation and sustainable management of maritime resources in these regions. It also aims to contribute to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and to the implementation of the EU Coordinated Maritime Presences tool.
While detailed, up-to-date specifics on the extent of hydrographic surveys by each PALOP country are limited, the general cooperation framework and IHPT’s involvement through MAR ABERTO is acknowledged in Portugal’s broader adaptation and maritime strategy documentation. Other maritime news sources mention port operations in these regions but do not detail advances in hydrography or charting linked specifically to IHPT or MAR ABERTO.
As the MAR ABERTO Initiative continues, IHPT will maintain close ties with international partners for the success of capacity building in hydrographic surveying and nautical cartography in PALOP countries. This work is crucial for the safety of navigation, environmental monitoring, and the protection of the marine environment in these regions.
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- The Hydrographic Institute of Portugal (IHPT) is working on the MAR ABERTO Initiative, aiming to boost hydrographic surveys, nautical charting, and marine science in Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP).
- Through MAR ABERTO, IHPT focuses on addressing hydrographic survey challenges, improving nautical charts, and enhancing maritime safety in PALOP countries.
- This initiative promotes technical assistance, capacity building, and the dissemination of modern hydrographic data, ensuring safer navigation and better coastal management according to international standards.
- MAR ABERTO covers different topics such as climate adaptation, sustainable management of maritime resources, and maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
- Education and self-development, environmental-science, and general-news sources might be beneficial for those interested in this initiative's impact on nautical charting, safety of navigation, and marine science in PALOP countries.
- Technology, data-and-cloud-computing, travel, and lifestyle might also be influenced by the MAR ABERTO Initiative, as it supports sustainable maritime activities and economic development in these regions.
