Engagement

Robust stakeholder engagement is critical to developing a Green Port Policy (GPP) and identifying Green Port Initiatives (GPIs) that will successfully deliver safety, security, and sustainability improvements to SPAs ports. Understanding the drivers and priorities for each of the stakeholder groups is fundamental to a successful engagement process.

Within the context of the Project’s vision, the following objectives for stakeholder engagement have been developed:

  • To raise awareness of the concept of Green Ports and the benefits this approach can deliver for Samoa and the wider Pacific region.

  • To encourage stakeholders to share relevant data to help determine the baseline performance of Apia Port against the Project objectives.

  • To encourage stakeholders to support the audit of SPA’s performance against green port indicators, based on international best practice and maritime conventions ratified by Samoa – the Green Port ‘Health Check’.

  • To encourage stakeholders to share relevant data to help support the development of the GPP, green port practice manual (GPPM), multi-hazard disaster preparedness plan (MHDPP), and the GPIs.

  • To seek stakeholder feedback and input on the potential drivers, issues and challenges associated with embedding Green Port principles to Apia Port.

  • To establish a Green Port Initiatives Working Group (GPIWG), and to promote awareness and support of this group.

  • To secure stakeholder participation in the development of GPIs and adoption of the GPP.

  • To secure stakeholder participation in the development and adoption of the MHDPP.

Prior to meeting with the GPIWG and various other stakeholders in Apia, a stakeholder survey was sent out to a long list of potentially interested and affected parties. Eleven responses were received ahead of the 1st Mission held in September 2022. A summary of the results is presented in the figures below.

The results of the stakeholder survey also helped to generate ideas for potential GPIs, as listed below.

  • Energy efficiency options – huge energy consumption for reefer containers

  • Conducting a detailed energy efficiency audit and analysis of transport energy efficiency. Perhaps piloting equipping medium-sized vessels with shore-side plug-in capabilities.

  • Lighting – monitoring and ‘smart’ usage

  • Adoption of alternative fuels and renewable energy generation, e.g. solar panels

  • Ensure training and awareness amongst staff to encourage uptake of initiatives and behavioural change e.g. switching off lights/idling engines etc

  • Initiatives that benefit the community, women, youth & persons with disability

  • Initiatives that support biodiversity preservation and sustainability

  • Increasing working space on the wharf for greater efficiency