The Port of Long Beach (USA) is looking to fund cycling and pedestrian infrastructure projects with its Community Grants Program. The aim is to reduce the negative effects of vehicular traffic and encourage the use of soft modalities. A total of $3 million in funding is available for the solicitation. This program aims to fund projects in communities who are most vulnerable to port-related environmental impacts. Previous projects that have received funding include controlling stormwater runoff through permeable parking lots and creating open space buffers between port operations and communities.

20 to 40 megatons of green hydrogen could be exported from Africa every year. According to the Masdar Group, authors of “Africa’s Green Energy Revolution”, the investments there are risky: about 3 times more than investing in similar projects in Germany. However, green hydrogen could create between 1.9 and 3.7 million jobs by 2050 and promote renewable energy in leading port cities such as Durban and Cape Town (South Africa), Walvis Bay (Namibia) and Suez (Egypt). Morocco is also included thanks to its solar potential in the south and its port of Dakhla. In 2030, producing one kilogram of green hydrogen will cost $2 in Morocco compared to $4 in Germany.

Le Havre Seine Métropole (France) has been involved in numerous discussions over the past week related to environmental initiatives and in line with the Agenda 2030 of the AIVP. On the 18^th of November, elected representatives of the urban community met with experts to discuss a roadmap for the implementation of the Territorial Climate, Air, and Energy Plan. The aim was to impart a common understanding of the importance of jointly combatting climate change. On the 23^rd of November, the Métropole signed the Charter for Pilot Organic Territories. Along with a clear goal of augmenting bio food production, Le Havre wishes to preserve agricultural land, biodiversity, and water resources as well as developing stronger local food networks.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was celebrated on November 25th. Several AIVP members showed their support to this cause working with cities. In Italy, the Port System Authority of the Eastern Ligurian Sea (AdSPMLO) joined demonstrations and cultural events to highlight the importance of helping the victims to break the silence and fear, and report aggressors. Other Italian institutions have developed communication and sensibilization actions, such as the Ionian Sea Port System Authority – Port of Taranto or Assoporti, with the campaign of putting a red chair representing the victims in the board room. These actions have been replicated in other countries like Chile, where the Port of Talcahuano also launched communication campaigns highlighting their programs for gender equality and safe work environment.

Many AIVP members are developing innovative waterfront projects. This week, two of them have received awards. In the Port of Saint John, Canada, the AREA 506 Waterfront Container Village earned the VIA Rail Canada Innovator of the Year Award organized TIAC Canadian Tourism Awards, recognizing their relevant role in the transformation of this area of the city and increasing its attractiveness. In Italy, the project carried out by Vitali Spa for the redevelopment of the historic “Hennebique” silo in the port of Genoa received the “THE PLAN Real Estate Award,”. The award recognizes the combination of modern architectural language with the historical value of the building. The new Hennebique will form the hinge between Port Antico and the cruise and tourist-recreation hub and will completing the redevelopment of the city’s waterfront.