Ports are, centres of life and progress not only for the town they belong to, but
also for the entire area they influence. Regardless of the type of activity
practised there, a port is movement, exchange, dynamism, and wealth. In
order for all this to be possible, a port’s installations, infrastructures, and
services must keep up with current needs so that the port remains vital.
However, the existence of the ports always implies an environmental impact
on water, air or soil. One of the most important challenges on the port sector
is find the situation in which the port is able to meet its own needs without
endangering its own future.
Over the last years the port sector has demonstrated a positive and pro-active
response to its environmental liabilities and responsibilities through the
development of tools and methodologies developed specifically to deliver
appropriate management options8.
The first environmental management initiatives in ports areas began with the
European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) on 1993 as a response to the need
of European ports to be represented in Europe. ESPO’s mission is to
influence public policy in the EU in order to achieve a safe, efficient and
environmentally sustainable European port sector.
Over the years, there has been increasing evidence that ports that adopts
environmental management systems (EMS) for their operations can realize
significant benefits as:
· Minimization of environmental impacts
· Demonstrate compliance with legislation
· Reducing costs with the efficient use of recourses
· Maintain a good public image
However, there are multiple possibilities of response, from just compliance
with legislation to archive high standards of environmental protection. Many
ports, simply using an EMS system to evaluate and develop an effective
environmental management program will be sufficient based on available
resources or activities at the port. However, some other ports may decide that
they need to use, and possibly become certified as in compliance with specific
EMS, such as ISO 14000 or EMAS.
It is a fact that all ports are unique; they vary in size, commercial activities,
location, cargo handled, organizational structure and regulation. However, the
environmental challenge is common for all, regardless of size. Then, the
question is, is one management system suitable for all ports? |