Port of Antwerp Bruges, Species Protection Programme
The Port of Antwerp Bruges operates a Species Protection Programme covering about 90 protected animal and plant species that live in the port, recognizing that the port landscape encompasses valuable biodiversity habitat alongside industrial operations (Port of Antwerp-Bruges, n.d.).
The program aims to maintain the habitats of these protected species while allowing companies in the port to develop (Port of Antwerp-Bruges, n.d.).
The port's approach demonstrates integration of biodiversity management with ongoing industrial operations.
Transferability
For DMC ports, the Port of Antwerp Bruges program provides a reference for integrating species protection with port operations. Transferable elements include, among others, a single programme covering protected species across a large port area, protection of their habitats alongside port development, and coordination with national and regional conservation obligations. Application to DMC ports would adapt species targets and methodologies to local biodiversity priorities.
Sources
All information used for this case study was based on publicly available resources.