Meeting of the Maritime Security, Environmental Protection and Operations (MSEPO) Freetown, Sierra Leone 23-27 October 2017 “Environmental Management Systems (EMS) that integrates Community Social Responsibility- Experience of PMAWCA Ports’’ By Katchi Daabo

Outline Introduction Primary Processes Benefits Gambia Ports Authority- Environmental Policy

Introduction What is an Environmental Management System An EMS can be developed in compliance with ISO 14001 as part of an organisation’s strategy to implement its environmental policy and address government regulations. An EMS should focus on meeting the requirements identified in an organisation’s policy. These commitments could include reducing or eliminating the negative environmental impacts of its products, services, and activities and/or increasing their positive effects.

Like many management systems environmental management systems reinforce a need to align processes into integrated systems of processes, all focused on providing the highest value to the customer. In this sense, the primary customer of the EMS is the local, regional and global environment. Secondary customer may include the employer, employee, customers and government agencies.

The Primary processes of a management system include: There are three different Management Processes of Management System and this include: ˃ Core processes, their outputs, and the identification of significant environmental aspects and impacts ˃ Key supporting processes, such as those for maintaining awareness of requirements, ensuring competency of employees, providing infrastructure, communicating EMS information, and monitoring and evaluating environmental performance ˃ Management system supporting processes, such as document control, record control, internal auditing.

Benefits: How can an EMS help your Organisation Overall, the advantages of using an EMS include: Ensuring a holistic approach to environmental aspects Focusing on only critical aspects and processes Making use of time-tested, mature approaches recognised worldwide Establishing positive relationships with regulators

Economic benefits of implementing an Environmental Management System: Cooperate reputation and image Lower related environmentally related cost and fees Increased access to new customers Direct savings through environmental source reduction

The Case of Gambia Ports Authority: Environmental Policy The Authority recognizes that its operations have the potential to adversely impact the physical environment. It is therefore committed to engaging in environmentally conscious practices in the development and operation of the port. The Authority shall, as much as possible, comply with all relevant conventions and legislations on the use and protection of the environment aimed at achieving sustainable port development and environmentally safe port operations. The Authority shall therefore ensure that:

Every effort is made to reduce waste generated from port operations. All waste generated are collected and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner and in compliance with appropriate national legislations and international conventions. All port operators and contractors working in the port undertake their operations in full compliance with appropriate national legislation and international conventions on the protection and sustainable use of the environment.

Good housekeeping practices are observed by all port users on its facilities and workplaces to minimize spillages of substances that are hazardous to the environment. No form of waste or pollution is disposed of into the harbour basin. The emission of dust and hazardous chemical into the atmosphere are monitored and controlled to prevent any environmental emergencies.

The cost of polluting the environment is transferred and directly recovered from the polluter. Consequently, all port operators and contractors shall be responsible for cleaning the terminals and place of work after operations. Port operators and contractors practice responsible and environmentally friendly port operations. Industries located in the precincts of the port adopt and practice sound environmental management practices.

The End Thank You for Your Kind Attention