The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in collaboration with the United Nations Nairobi Convention Secretariat, the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa and the Transnet National Ports Authority, is actively promoting the adoption of the toolkit for Sustainable Port Development in the West Indian Ocean, which they have recently developed. Two countries, South Africa and the Seychelles, immediately embraced the opportunity and volunteered to pilot its implementation. In July 2024, the Nairobi Convention and the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa held workshops at the Port of Ngqura (Transnet National Ports Authority, South Africa) and Port Victoria (Seychelles Port Authority, Seychelles). This activity formed part of the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties Decision 9/13, highlighting the urgent need to address the severe effects of climate change.

Ports are significant for many coastal communities, as they provide essential resources such as food, income and building materials. However, exacerbated by rapid coastal urbanisation and climate change, ports are a growing environmental concern. Considering this, the global maritime industry is considering green ports as a solution. Sustainability in ports is now imperative for business. The toolkit for green port development is a framework for port management, aligning engineering and environmental processes to support long-term sustainability in port operations. It offers a wide range of practical interventions that can be applied throughout port planning, development and operation, contributing to sustainability. 

The event attracted experts from across Africa, representing marine and port management organisations. Among the attendees were CSIR principal researchers Steven Weerts and Dr Susan Taljaard, who also facilitated the workshops. The duo played an instrumental role in the development of the toolkit designed to assist ports in implementing environmental management practices in their operations.

Reflecting on his experience working on the project, Weerts shared, "It was a real privilege and pleasure to work with organisations and people who are so passionate about embedding sustainability in West Indian Ocean ports. And it was really gratifying to see the immediate uptake of R&D products we have been working on over the last few years."

The next phase involves rolling out the toolkit across the wider region, which the Nairobi Convention has asked the CSIR to continue supporting as a technical partner. As ports continue to be a lifeline for many coastal communities, this toolkit for sustainable port development represents a significant step towards mitigating environmental impact, providing local societies with ongoing access to ecosystem services and economic opportunities, and ultimately advancing blue economies in the region.