TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a report on travel to Europe for an extensive trade mission to promote Long Beach and build environmental partnerships with European ports, March 31, 2008 to April 13, 2008.
DISCUSSION
From March 31, 2008 to April 13, 2008 I traveled to several European nations as part of an extensive trade mission to promote Long Beach and build environmental partnerships with European ports. I was accompanied by Commissioners and staff from the Harbor Department.
In total, the trip encompassed 7 cities: Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Hamburg, Germany;
Trieste, Italy; Geneva, Switzerland; Marseilles, France; Paris, France; London, England.
In these cities, I met with shipping line customers of the Port of Long Beach and the management of several European POlis.
On April 1, the Ports of Long Beach and Rotterdam signed a comprehensive environmental exchange agreement to share "green" practices and technologies between the two ports. Under this agreement, the ports of Long Beach and Rotterdam will collaborate on environmental issues such as marine wildlife, air quality, soils and sediments, water quality, sustainability, and community engagement. This accord covers the exchange of technical information on improving air quality, the establishment of joint delegations to study port emissions and pollutants, as well as the ongoing development of control measures and best practices surrounding port and urban sustainability policies.
I met with top administrators from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss anti-global warming initiatives and how the Port of Long Beach can take a leadership role in reducing greenhouse gas pollution generated by seaport activities.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
None.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mayor Bob Foster