Climate change represents a threat that affects the international community due to its cross-cutting consequences on ecosystems and different areas of human activity. The contemporary economic system, mostly driven by an energy matrix dominated by fossil fuels, which contribute to the increase of greenhouse gases (GHG), generated in 2023 the concentration of 3276 Gt of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere,[1] a trend that has been steadily increasing since the industrial revolution.

In response to this trajectory, the United Nations (UN) has promoted a holistic approach to the concept of sustainable development, which is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs,”[2] recognising the goal of reconciling economic growth with environmental sustainability.

The maritime and port sector in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) plays a strategic role in the economic development of the region, both for its contribution to international trade and for the challenges it faces in terms of sustainability. In 2023, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) estimated that maritime transport will move 80% of goods worldwide.[3] Similarly, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates that maritime trade will grow by 2% in 2024, and projects an average annual growth of 2.4% in the period 2025-2029.[4]

In this context, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) projects an increase of between 90% and 130% in GHG emissions from international shipping by 2050, compared to 2008,[5] highlighting the incidence of the maritime sector in the generation of significant environmental impacts, such as pollution, degradation of coastal ecosystems and GHG emissions, and calling for the implementation of measures to mitigate the incursions of the sector.

In addition to being an emitting sector, the port system is also vulnerable to climatic effects. Extreme weather events, such as storms and hurricanes, affect operations and compromise trade security. Climatic disturbances, such as droughts, affect the regular flow of goods on the region’s trade routes, as in the case of the Panama Canal, which experienced a water shortage resulting in restricted transit and reduced cargo volumes, exposing the Canal’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change and harming the trade activities of the countries in the region.[6]

Faced with these challenges, it is imperative to design and implement sustainable port projects that strengthen resilience and promote a transition to efficient operating models, with the aim of guaranteeing the security of supply chains and modernising the region’s port systems as a measure to mitigate climate change. This ensures the development of the ports’ economic and commercial activities, while protecting the region’s natural resources and marine ecosystems.

Thus, this Seminar aims to consolidate these efforts and project them on a regional scale, addressing issues such as the decarbonisation of port operations, environmental management, the construction of resilient infrastructures adapted to climate change, the implementation of alternative energies and the construction of energy-efficient buildings. In addition, the role of innovative technologies in improving sustainability will be analysed, as well as the development of maritime environmental protection regulations.

Within this framework, the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA), in partnership with the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) of the Organisation of American States (OAS), reaffirms its commitment to promote the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure, the promotion of cooperation and technological innovation, the adoption of green energies, and the coordination of efforts between the public and private sectors. Finally, this initiative aims to promote meeting spaces that foster the exchange of knowledge, professional training and the strengthening of networks.

[1] World Mereological Organization (WMO) (2025). State of the Global Climate 2024. https://library.wmo.int/viewer/69455/download?file=WMO-1368-2024_en.pdf&type=pdf&navigator=1

[2] United Nations (UN) (n. d.). Sostenibilidad. https://www.un.org/es/impacto-acad%C3%A9mico/sostenibilidad

[3] ECLAC. Facilitación, Comercio y Logística en América Latina y el Caribe | ECLAC. https://repositorio.cepal.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/5d59ddd2-48f3-4928-b164-bd9d84b7ef39/content

[4] UNCTAD (2024) Review of maritime transport 2024. https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/rmt2024_en.pdf

[5] OMI (2021). Fourth IMO Greenhouse Gas Study. https://wwwcdn.imo.org/localresources/en/MediaCentre/Documents/Fourth%20IMO%20GHG%20Study%202020%20Executive%20Summary.pdf

[6] World Meteorology Organization (WMO) (2025). State of the Global Climate 2024. https://library.wmo.int/viewer/69455/download?file=WMO-1368-2024_en.pdf&type=pdf&navigator=1

This event aims to:

• Analyse current trends and challenges in port sustainability.
• Explore and promote sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impact and ensure long-term economic viability.
• Assess the implementation of innovative technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of port operations.
• Promote the exchange of best practices and success stories in the implementation of sustainable port initiatives.

The Seminar is organised by the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) in partnership with the Inter-American Committee on Ports.

Date: 10 July 2025.

Time: 09:00 – 12:40 (Caracas, Venezuela)

Language: Spanish with simultaneous translation into English.

Modality: The Seminar will be held virtually. Registration is free of charge.

Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_BxkeCQtcTTmTyrFCP9hyLg

For additional information please contact:

At the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA):

• Coordination of the Economic Recovery Area. E-mail: recuperación_economica@sela.org
• Alixis Mariño, Analyst of the Economic Recovery Area. E-mail: amarino@sela.org

At the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP):

• Sabina Malnis, Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee on Ports. E-mail: smalnis@oas.org

• Panel of experts.

• Increased understanding of the specific environmental challenges of the port sector and the importance of sustainability.
• Exchange of knowledge, experiences and success stories among experts, professionals and different stakeholders in the sector will be facilitated.
• Participants will be able to identify concrete and context-specific solutions to address the environmental challenges they face.
• The adoption of innovative technologies and innovative approaches in port environmental management will be inspired and promoted.
• Contribute to the debate and formulation of more effective public policies on port environmental sustainability.
• Foster networking and collaboration among professionals, companies, institutions and organisations interested in port sustainability.