Naples: pursuing a policy of sustainable growth

The Port of Naples holds an important position in the urban setting of the city of Naples. Historically, the port’s monumental area has always had close ties to the areas in, and surrounding, Piazza Municipio, Maschio Angioino, the Royal Palace and the city itself. The entire area is a wealth of cultural, archaeological, architectural and urban interest. This unique situation creates the necessity for a modern port that respects the environment and guarantees integration over the entire territory when carrying out operations and activities. Issues such as health and safety, security and environmental protection are important considerations to be made. For this reason, the Port Authority of Naples intends to promote a more modern (or more ancient) concept: that of ‘Total Security’, a development that is based on environmental quality of the highest standards and the value of local identities. It is therefore essential to define concrete objectives by using an innovative approach of prevention and sustainable growth instead of adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach. The concept of sustainable growth goes together with an idea of sustainable society by not only considering economic aspects, but also social, cultural and ethical ones.

Environmental and economic objectives

The objective of the Port of Naples: a modern development tool for the local economy. The key objectives of the Port of Naples are:

• To provide a healthy and safe working environment for all employees and the community in general

• To minimise any negative impacts that derive from port activities, from port products to its services, by using processes and best practices along with materials and products that avoid, reduce or keep under control, environmental pollution levels.

• To reduce the risk of accidents, work related illnesses and environmental damage.

• To guarantee conformity with the law and the regulations that has been created for the protection of all areas of health and safety, security, and environmental issues.

• To encourage the active participation of all employees and workers who operate in the port in projects and initiatives regarding these issues.

• To create a climate where security is an absolute priority and where the safeguarding of all areas of health and safety, and respect for the environment, are encouraged and considered an important priority.

• To encourage the responsibility of all workers in the efficient use of energy and natural resources, avoiding waste, and wherever possible, using renewable and non-polluting energy sources. These objectives require:

•The creation of an efficient management and control system to facilitate continual improvements.

• A periodical control of security levels, and the safeguarding of health, safety, and the environment, by carrying out any necessary corrective actions.

• The pinpointing of the resources that are needed to optimise management, control and health and safety systems.

• The definition of the processes and related procedures that are required to put these systems into place quickly.

Respect

Respect for the environment and economic development go hand in hand. This is the only way to meet the needs of the community and respect the values of security, health and quality of life. These issues must be considered opportunities for progress and not obstacles to growth. The Port Authority of Naples is in the frontline of the challenge for a form of modernisation that is based on environmental sensibility, and at the same time, unites ethical, scientific and economic aspects.

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