Port Autonome de Strasbourg aims to restore biodiversity to its rightful place

The various sites operated by Port Autonome de Strasbourg are all located in the Rhine valley, an environment rich in biodiversity. Eager to sustain and develop its activities over the long term, the operator is also committed to preserving that local biodiversity through numerous initiatives. The strategy is fully in line with Commitment no. 10 of our AIVP 2030 Agenda. Interview with Emilie GRAVIER, Director of Development at Port Autonome de Strasbourg. Port Autonome de Strasbourg has been a member of AIVP since 1994 AIVP – Ten years ago, you committed to a pro-active, pro-biodiversity strategy. What are the main lines and objectives of that strategy? Emilie GRAVIER, Director of Development, Port autonome de Strasbourg, PAS – © Adeus Since 2011, PAS has been committed to preserving biodiversity. When shaping our corporate social and environmental responsibility policy in 2018, we identified biodiversity as a priority part of the ecological and energy transition aspect. In 2019, we were keen to acquire a genuine biodiversity strategy to structure our different actions, take things to the next level, and be accountable. That led us to work with Strasbourg’s Urban Planning Agency (ADEUS), which highlighted the very rich woodland environment around the port, the important heritage trees in the port itself, and the species found on our land. Our strategy is focused on two key objectives: preserving and improving environmental continuities to ensure that ecological functions can continue, and preserving biodiversity while striking a healthy balance with our sites’ economic activities. AIVP – Can you give us some examples of the actions you have taken? Emilie GRAVIER, Director of Development - As early as 2011, we enlisted the help of an association to conduct an assessment of the way we maintained our different spaces, and identified actions for improvement, all of which have been implemented. These includes differentiated management of green…