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Dertje Meijer

With economic times tough and the expected recovery for our industry slow, it would be tempting for most of us to shift to a short-term survival mode. Although the total losses in the industry for 2009 were overwhelming, we can still not afford to lose focus on our long-term strategies and responsibilities in areas dealing with the environment and sustainable growth.

If there is a silver lining to this recession, it may be that it is giving us a second chance, and time, to prepare for the growth of our industry in more environmentally friendly and sustainable ways. This may come about as a result of treaties and legislation, self-regulation within the industry, and through more voluntary international cooperation.

We anticipate that new international environmental standards may develop following last month’s Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. The way our industry can grow and how ports operate in 2010 and beyond may depend on these new environmental standards.

In addition, progress can be made by international cooperation throughout the supply chain. Especially in the sharing of technical information and experiences, and developing information management, through platforms such as the World Port Climate Initiative that was launched by the International Association of Ports and Harbors. It encourages ports to take a leading role by facilitating “smart growth” in their regions, as sustainable entrepreneurship is an important condition for a port area that generates jobs and income, and makes efficient use of space and the environment.

In the past, operating in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner may have been considered to be mainly for the do-gooders who could afford it. In the future, these green initiatives will become the main factors that will determine efficiency and competitiveness.