Physical Alterations and Destruction of Habitats (PADH)

The need for coastal facilities has risen dramatically in the last decade due to growing commercial, industrial and recreational needs. Increased reliance on international trade as the primary engine for economic growth and development has been a major factor in the rapid development of ports. Additionally, maritime transport carries the bulk of the world’s cargoes and is considered the most environmentally efficient mode of transportation.

Port facilities require large areas of coastal land and waters for their construction, conversion or extension, but also for the operation of all port installations, accompanying industrial and commercial installations and transport systems. The impacts of ports on the coastal environment are considerable. Effects and changes at times occur particularly in sensitive areas, due to dredging, soil excavation, soil replacement or backfilling, surface sealing, water drainage and high ground loads. Although these are clearly unavoidable given the intended use of the installation, proper infrastructure planning will nevertheless contribute to a degree of environmental protection.

Minimizing significant impacts in the planning and design phases is important because restoration after construction is prohibitively expensive. To address sustainable port development, effective government policy and regulations are important, but must be supported by industry self-regulation. An optimal balance must be found between socio-economic activities and physical, morphological and ecological issues.

The rapid development of environmental legislation, governments’ attention to sustainable use of resources, the economic cost of non-compliance and the long-term commercial advantages have convinced port managers that environmental responsibilities need to be fully recognized and integrated within port management.