Port of Amsterdam is trendsetter in carbon-neutral travel
The Port of Amsterdam will have 1,080 trees planted in the Third World to compensate for the trips abroad made by port officials in 2006. In doing so, the port authority is at the forefront of the wider battle against climate change. Moreover, another 1,000 trees will be planted locally to further green and beautify the port area.
Source: Port of Amsterdam
Each airline ticket represents a certain amount of CO2 emissions. Using the Trees for Travel foundation, the Port of Amsterdam is compensating for its official travel abroad, which, of course, creates a carbon footprint. This form of carbon offsetting consists of (re-)creating and maintaining wooded areas, which will absorb CO2.
The wooded areas are certified by the Forrest Absorbing Carbon Dioxide Emission foundation – an independent certification organization that is active in sustainable woodland management/carbon-compensation schemes and that abides by the guidelines of the Forrest Stewardship Council. This organization and Trees for Travel jointly determine where in the world the (re-)planting of sustainable woodlands is most needed. They do so in consultation with the local authorities and residents, who are closely involved in the projects.
The Port of Amsterdam has decided to support the regeneration of a tropical forest in Malaysia. It involves a 30,000-hectare wooded area in Sabah, called the Danum Valley Rehabilitation Project. At the request of the Port of Amsterdam, 1,080 trees will be planted by way of compensation for the 180 metric tons of CO2 emitted last year as a result of business trips abroad by port officials.
In the port area itself, the port authority will plant a further 1,000 trees in the near future to create a greener and more appealing ambiance. The Port of Amsterdam is thus putting into practice, the concept of a sustainable port and is also literally becoming greener.
On November 29, Hans Gerson (the Port of Amsterdam’s CEO) will plant the first tree at the corner of Oceanenweg/Ruigoordweg – as a symbol for the over 2,000 trees made available by the port authority.
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