Eco-port (also known as green port) is a model of balancing between environmental fluctuations and economic development needs, which is a strategic trend in the development of seaports in the world.
Eco-port is a port that focuses on development based on the criteria of green economic growth under a long-term plan, meeting current and future needs. Therefore, building an ecological port system in Vietnam not only meets the requirements of protecting the marine environment and ecosystem, but also helps our country's seaports integrate with the world.
Some typical models
According to Dr. Du Van Toan, Institute of Sea and Island Studies - Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands, the Ecoport model is built and managed by the European Seaport Organization (ESPO). Seaports recognized as "Eco-Ports" must meet the criteria set forth by ESPO, in which the environment is the most important criterion.
Currently, many European ports have joined the Ecoports Association (Ecoports) and have been granted a valid "Ecoport" certificate. The certification has confirmed that the environmental management programs are in line with the requirements prescribed by Ecoport, in order to harmonize the relationship between economic development and environmental protection, energy saving, conservation. resources, towards the sustainable development of ports. Over the years, Ecoports has focused on developing and refining tools including self-diagnostic methods (SDM), port environmental assessment system (PERS) to support environmental management.
In the US, Long Beach is one of the top seaports in the US. This is also a pioneer port in the field of freight transport and environmental protection in the world, with an estimated total value of goods of more than 100 billion USD per year. The Port of Long Beach has adopted an ecological port policy, which should contribute to minimizing and eliminating negative impacts on the environment and developing environmental initiatives.
The main objectives of the eco-port policy include: Protecting the community from negative environmental impacts arising from the port operation; Clearly define the port's role as a leader in environmental harmonization and management; Promote sustainability; Using advanced technology to combat or reduce negative environmental impacts…
Criteria for Vietnam's ecological port
Dr. Du Van Toan said that with the characteristics of seaport operations, current operating status and legal provisions for seaports, the development of criteria for ecological ports for Vietnam's seaports is mainly focusing on environmental criteria, prevention and response to environmental incidents, requirements on energy use will be integrated into other criteria. In particular, the ecological port standard for Vietnam's seaports will help build a professional and synchronous environmental management apparatus, and raise the awareness of environmental protection for the seaport management unit. Seaports not only comply with the regulations on environmental protection of Vietnam's laws and international conventions, but can join the Association of Eco-Seaports in the region and the world, thereby enhancing their image. Vietnamese seaport.
However, in order to implement commitments and plans for environmental and energy management, our country's seaports need to build an energy and environment management apparatus, mainly using relevant part-time human resources. Limit the use of specialized staff. At the same time, fully complete legal documents on environmental and energy management in accordance with current laws and regulations of localities and sectors; identify environmental problems that need to be improved to bring about high efficiency.
These solutions should be arranged in order of priority for implementation, depending on the problem to be improved, and the port's responsive resources. Propaganda and training to raise awareness for port officials and employees about policies and plans on environmental and energy management. In which, the Energy and Environment Management Board will be the focal point to receive contributions from all subjects on environmental protection and energy use of the port.
Among the seaports of our country, Hai Phong Port Authority is promoting the construction of Lach Huyen Port according to green criteria. Specifically, controlling smoke and dust at the port by promoting the application of science and technology, limiting outdated means of transporting goods, and encouraging ships to apply new technology to the port. Along with the development of an overall water management plan at the port and the use of a water monitoring system; control wastewater to avoid environmental pollution; Application of science and technology to determine ballast water samples. Especially to build garbage receiving facilities, organize daily garbage collection when ships docked.
