Less than a month ago, the city of Nice introduced a new Environmental Charter specifically for the port district, outlining a collective action program. Air, water, waste, and activities are all targeted areas. To achieve these comprehensive but not yet visible results, organization plays a crucial role.
“Some will say it’s good news that such a document exists,” and others might add, “It’s encouraging to see that there is a consideration for the environment and the well-being of local residents.” Satisfied and proud, the majority of Nice residents have taken the time to thoroughly review the document, which outlines 53 planned actions. From 2005 to 2010, local authorities, professionals, and associations will follow a busy schedule prepared by the “Port of Nice Environmental Advisory Commission.”
Led by Manuella Machado, head of the Port Authority, this Commission has already begun implementing the charter. However, for Eric, who works opposite the port, “the results are not yet visible.” This observation is also shared by many residents around the port. The Qalitair 06 association, an essential partner, has already conducted pre-emptive air pollution checks. This research should help to control and prevent pollutant emissions linked to port activities and traffic in the medium and long term.
Clean air is precisely what the creators of the “Environmental and Quality of Life Charter for the Port of Nice and its District” aim for. Culminating two years of work, the charter was signed last month by Prefect Pierre Breuil and the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Dominique Estève, under the banner of passion for the future and cleanliness. According to them, “The Port of Nice intends to play its part as a driver of the local economy while preserving an exceptional site.”
Faced with noise pollution and waste in both the waters and the streets, these stakeholders have set general priorities within a sustainable development policy: prevention, environmental management, and quality of life at the port. These initiatives are necessary for the Port of Nice. Véronique, a 34-year-old secretary and mother, supports this: “It was necessary to make progress. It’s not healthy to continue living in a polluted environment. And even if I don’t see much change yet, I want to believe that with this Charter, my neighborhood will take on a new face, provided it is respected.”
For this purpose, the Commission has decided to regularly convene a working group throughout the program to assess and enhance the planned actions so that the treaty is fully realized. The aim is also to produce an annual report and validate the evolution of the Charter’s content. To achieve significant and positive results, the protagonists have emphasized awareness campaigns. “It’s a great action, but it will take some time to get there,” admits Véronique.
This operating mode will be crucial, especially since no penalties have been established for non-compliance with the text. Upon reading the text, a skeptical question also looms: Will this working group be competent to change certain aspects of the Charter in case of failure? To this, Manuella Machado explains, “Of course. It is possible to refocus actions to maintain their effectiveness. Therefore, it is clear that a certain flexibility had to be planned to successfully carry out this project. On one condition: All those responsible must agree on the points to be corrected.”
With such an organization, the various partners of this program have their work cut out for them. A real challenge of local scale, but a true example of civility for humanity.
