Nature Positive Role of the Ports Sector

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges strives to achieve a balance between economic growth and consideration for nature. To protect and manage the nature reserves, it has been working with Natuurpunt, the largest nature conservation organization in Belgium, in the Antwerp port area since 2001. As part of the “Port of Antwerp more natural” project, Natuurpunt and Port of Antwerp-Bruges are also working to strengthen the ecological infrastructure in the port area without hindering the development of economic activity. Examples include establishing habitat areas for the natterjack toad, constructing a fish spawning area, establishing nesting sites for sand martins and many other actions for a wide range of different species. Its 2014-2019 species protection programme set out measures for the conservation of 14 species, which resulted in 111 different projects. Some projects also took place in collaboration with private companies in the port. A new species protection programme has been drafted for the 2022-2027 period.CASE STUDY 5 “Port of Antwerp more natural” projectPorts and surrounding natural ecosystems can be effectively enhanced by actively conducting the following actions: –Protecting and sustainably managing habitat areas: for example, conservation of fish spawning areas and nesting sites and establishment of artificial reefs. –Improving green coverage: for example, reforesting unused land, establishing buffer zones around the perimeter of the port filled with native vegetation to act as a natural barrier against noise and water pollution, and implementing green roofs on buildings. –Enriching vegetation types: for example, planting drought-resistant plants to reduce water use for irrigation, stabilize soil and prevent erosion. –Improving soil structure: for example, adding organic soil amendments like compost, biochar or processed sludge to increase the soil’s ability to retain moisture and nutrients.97 –Restoring degraded land: for example, reforestation, planting native vegetation, restoring wetlands, transforming degraded land into buffer zones, planting sand-binding vegetation, etc. –Protecting natural coastline: for example, managing sediment buildup and erosion through careful dredging practices and creating living shorelines.98 Businesses in the sector can also take part in compensating conservation and restoration activities such as marine species protection, mangroves planting, mudflats and seagrass beds conservation. 3.5 Actively protect and restore naturePriority action 5 Nature Positive: Role of the Port Sector 35