At COP29, the Resilience4Ports initiative urged policymakers, businesses, financiers, and port operators to commit to the Adaptation and Resilience goals of the Sharm-El-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda and the UN Climate Change Maritime Resilience Breakthroughs.
The pledge is the next step in this process. Accompanied by a progress report that emphasises the adoption and implementation of sustainable and resilient strategies in port systems, it provides port actors with a framework to make the right decisions and enable ports to better anticipate, withstand, and recover from disruptions, all while keeping the people that operate them safe.
Our pledge aims to unite decision-makers and actors across the port sector in the name of a common goal: mitigating risk and building resilience to ensure a safe and sustainable port system including supply chains, ocean and coastal ecosystems and communities, now and in the future.
… said Dr Darshana Godaliyadde, Director of the Resilience4Ports initiative
The Call to Action (pledge) is the first sectoral, action-based commitment from global port actors to address the resilience of infrastructure, operations and activities considering climate change, asking industry partners to undertake four key actions: understand and manage climate risks; integrate climate resilience into business models and processes; foster community focuses in business continuity; and share knowledge and experiences.
Resilience4Ports, led by the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) and supported by core partners, Arup, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champions and Lloyd’s Register Foundation, helps drive a safer and more sustainable port system by tracking progress against key resilience metrics and holding industry leaders to account.
This acts as the first sectoral approach to the Sharm-El-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda (SAA) and aims to achieve the Maritime Resilience Breakthrough outcome targets under the UN High-Level Climate Champions and Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action 2030 Climate Solutions for Resilient Shipping.
Resilient infrastructure systems: By 2030, 30% of global maritime trade will move through climate-adapting ports, connecting people and supply chains, with a focus on benefiting the world’s most vulnerable regions.
Resilient coastal and ocean systems: By 2030, ports and their communities across all regions will protect and enhance local coastal and ocean systems through nature-based solutions, building port resilience and supporting thriving natural habitats.
Resilient human settlements: By 2030, ports and their communities across all regions will implement equity-focused social programmes, including initiatives for green jobs and community infrastructure, fostering thriving ports and communities.
Credit: Resilience4Ports
Dr. Taleh Ziyadov, Director General of the Port of Baku, expressed the port’s commitment to the Resilience4Ports pledge as COP29 approaches in Baku. He emphasized their proactive approach to addressing climate change and decarbonization.
According to the report, Resilience4Ports aims to champion the following action points for port actors to enhance and accelerate port resilience:
Understand and manage climate risks
Identify, understand, prioritize, and manage climate risks to port operations by developing concrete action plans that deliver positive outcomes for people and nature, in alignment with the Maritime Resilience Breakthroughs.
Integrate climate resilience into business models and processes
Foster partnerships between government agencies, industry players, research institutions, and international financial institutions (IFIs) to scale climate finance, pursue joint initiatives, and create mechanisms for knowledge sharing and funding opportunities.
Foster community focus in business continuity
Engage with local communities to understand their vulnerabilities, establish mutually beneficial relationships, support sustainable economies, and promote social capital.
Share knowledge and experiences
Collaborate with governments, industry leaders, and international organizations to share best practices, pool resources, and develop coordinated responses to common threats.
Biodiversity and restoration, as well as infrastructure adaptation to climate change, are becoming increasingly important. We need to act now with a long-term innovative vision that combines an economic, environmental and social commitment
… commented Ricardo Barkala, President of Bilbao Port
