Sustainable Port Development and Improving Port Productivity in ESCAP Member Countries

From an economic and environmental point of view, sustainable port development is a very important issue not only for the government as port management agencies but also for port authorities and terminal operators. It is important to harmonize the roles and functions of individual ports with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as ports have a direct impact on international and domestic freight transportation as well as local and national economic and social development. Since ports emit not only carbon dioxide but also various air pollutants through cargo handling equipment, related facilities and berthing vessels, the introduction and diffusion of environment friendly policies in ports are becoming urgent policy agendas. In this context, the project have focused to fostering progress toward achievement of SDGs 9.1 (Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and trans-border infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all) and 9.4 (By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes, with all countries taking action in accordance with their respective capabilities)