Issue 23

HOT SEAT: 

Interview with Dr. Ing. José M P Sánchez, Director of the Agenda 2030 by AIVP

• • What do you see as the main global trends in the port-city relationship, particularly regarding sustainability, urban integration, and citizen engagement?

In recent years, the relationship between ports and cities has been evolving rapidly, shaped by broader global trends and societal expectations. One of the most significant developments is the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability. Port cities are moving beyond merely reducing negative impacts to actively pursuing the restoration and regeneration of ecosystems. This includes projects aimed at recovering natural habitats, reintroducing biodiversity, and improving the overall resilience of coastal areas. Such initiatives reflect a deeper awareness that ports are not isolated infrastructures but integral parts of fragile coastal ecosystems.

At the same time, there is a renewed focus on reconnecting citizens with the water. Access to the waterfront and opportunities for water-related activities are becoming central themes in urban planning. Ports are increasingly seen not only as industrial nodes but also as cultural and social spaces where communities can rediscover their maritime identity. This shift is also linked to a growing curiosity among citizens about “how the world works.” People want to understand the operations of ports, their role in global supply chains, and their contribution to everyday life. This demand for transparency opens opportunities for ports to engage more directly with the public, whether through educational initiatives, open days, or permanent facilities such as Port Centers.

Another major trend is the emergence of hybrid activities and new economic models under the umbrella of the Blue Economy. Ports are diversifying beyond traditional logistics into sectors such as marine biotechnology, renewable energy, and sustainable material. This transition reflects a broader recognition of port cities as strategic hubs where solutions to global challenges like climate change and the energy transition must be tested and implemented.

Finally, the governance of port-city relationships is evolving toward greater participation. Collaborative planning and decision-making processes now frequently involve citizens, local stakeholders, and civil society. These participatory models not only strengthen democratic legitimacy but also ensure that projects reflect shared values and long-term interests. Altogether, these trends highlight how port cities are moving to the forefront of sustainable innovation, with an increasingly balanced focus on economy, environment, and society.

• • How do you envision the evolution of Mediterranean port-cities in the coming years? What challenges and opportunities do you foresee in this region?

Mediterranean port cities face an important set of challenges in the coming years. Climate change will be one of the most pressing issues. While sea-level rise may not affect the region as quickly as in other parts of the world, the growing frequency of extreme weather events will. Heat waves, storms, and flooding can have serious consequences for both urban life and port operations. Preparing for these risks requires coordinated resilience strategies that involve all key territorial actors. Coastal resilience cannot be addressed separately by ports or cities; it needs to be planned as a shared effort. Projects like SAFARI and the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition, in which AIVP is actively involved, are good examples of this integrated approach.

Alongside these risks, there are also significant opportunities. The Blue Economy is attracting increasing attention from governments at different levels, and it can serve as a new link between ports, cities, and citizens. Activities such as aquaculture, renewable energy, or marine biotechnology can diversify local economies while also encouraging new forms of collaboration between port authorities, urban planners, and research institutions.

For the Mediterranean, this dual agenda of resilience and blue growth is particularly relevant. The region’s long history as a space of exchange can be an asset, helping port cities work together and learn from each other. By addressing climate challenges collectively and using the Blue Economy to reconnect ports with their territories, Mediterranean port cities can position themselves as examples of sustainable development.

• • Could you share some examples of international best practices that might inspire Mediterranean ports in their urban and social transformation? 

There are several examples worldwide that can provide inspiration for Mediterranean port cities. One is the case of Oslo, where a coherent long-term vision has transformed former port spaces into public areas that remain connected to the city’s maritime identity. This shows the importance of combining urban development with port heritage.

Port Centers are another strong reference. First developed in Rotterdam and Antwerp, and later adapted in Valparaíso, they create structured opportunities for citizens to learn about port activities, visit port areas, and engage in discussions. They are an effective way to build transparency and public support.

Citizen participation is also well developed in Canada, where ports use neighborhood liaison committees, consultations, and forums to involve residents in decision-making. These mechanisms help maintain dialogue and trust.

On the economic front, there are promising examples from North America. In San Diego, the Blue Economy Incubator supports startups and pilot projects in areas such as aquaculture, shoreline resilience, and clean energy, lowering barriers to innovation. In Los Angeles, the AltaSea institute serves as a hub for research and training in marine technology and renewable energy. Both cases show how ports can contribute to sustainable innovation and create links with local communities.

For Mediterranean ports, these examples demonstrate different ways to strengthen the port-city relationship: through urban planning, citizen dialogue, or economic diversification. Each can be adapted to the specific local context.

• • What role does AIVP play in promoting a more balanced relationship between ports and cities? Are there any recent initiatives you find particularly relevant? 

AIVP works to improve cooperation between ports, cities, and citizens, with the aim of building more sustainable and balanced relationships. We do this in several ways. At the local level, we support our members with knowledge sharing, the review of port-city plans, and advice on social engagement. The promotion of Port Centers is a key part of this work, since they provide a direct channel for dialogue with communities.

At the international level, AIVP also defends the role of port cities in global discussions. In forums such as the United Nations Ocean Conference, we highlight the importance of port-city cooperation for tackling climate change, the energy transition, and sustainable trade. Our AIVP Agenda 2030 serves as a common framework for these efforts, supported by a self-assessment tool that helps members monitor their progress.

We also collaborate with organizations such as C40, the OECD, and the International Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure, contributing to joint projects and studies. In Europe and beyond, we are active partners in initiatives such as MAGPIE, SAFARI, and Connected Rivers, where research and practical solutions are combined.

Finally, our World Conference is the main opportunity to bring this global community together. This year it will take place in New York, from November 18th to 21st, under the theme “Navigating Change: Innovating Ports, Cities and Climate.” Sessions will address key issues such as climate adaptation, energy transition, financing, mobility, and port-city culture. New York itself is a particularly relevant example, as it is currently testing many innovative solutions. Through these activities, AIVP continues to support its members while promoting the global importance of port cities. We hope to meet many members of MEDports in NYC!

AIVP World Conference 2025