Bridging the gap between policy and practice – Roadmap to sustainability.

It may reasonably be argued that never has it been more timely or topical to take every opportunity to encourage pro-active collaboration between all the stakeholders who have a vested interest in the sustainable development of small and island ports. Time-and-again there is widespread acknowledgement of the critically significant role that such ports play in the daily and strategic socio-economic life of the communities that they serve.

Yet, many observers agree that there is still a fundamental gap in terms of effective implementation if local ports are to continue to play their vital function of operating as essential transport nodes, protecting the environment, and achieving sustainable development in its widest definition. If AEGEA’s and DAFNI’s declared strategic targets of “increasing the islands’ capacity on renewable energy, energy efficiency, wastes & water management, rational use of local resources, preservation of cultural heritage and landscape” is to be achieved then a networked system specifically developed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, experience and good-practice options is likely to be one of the most practicable and cost-effective routes.
There are hundreds of small, sea-side ports built around a single quay wall fundamental to inter-island/island-mainland communication and transport and highly significant for local communities and tourism.

• To what extent are they truly represented by strategic, policy-makers?
• Who are the ambassadors for these ports?
• How can knowledge and experience be shared with, and between them?
• Without a functioning EMS how can they manage and implement topical issues such as renewable energy and environmental protection?
• Without a collective voice, how can they possibly influence national or international policy?
• Without green environmental credentials how can they qualify for funding or travel the sustainability pathway?

This conference session is specifically structured to encourage ideas and recommendations by being the bridging point between those knowledgeable or influential in policy-making, and those tasked with implementation of good practice at the operational, quay-side. How may collaborative action applied through AEGEA and DAFNI facilitate research, training, compilation of practicable guidelines and the dissemination of good practice?

Through structured feed-back and input, the session will aim to construct a SMART Roadmap toward sustainable development that recognises the opportunities and challenges faced by small and island ports, and their strengths and collaborative activities that may drive the sector forward. A functioning, port-inspired RoadMap linking pathways and networks would:

• Assist ports themselves to retain influence and initiative regarding local aspects
• Avoid duplication and offer cost-reduction through shared projects
• Identify good practice options and standards of EMS
• Contribute toward compliance, risk reduction and sustainable development

Delegates are encouraged to contribute their professional knowledge and experience in developing and navigating a practicable Roadmap for progress.

Share your views at conferences@aegean-energy.gr and/or join the workshop