SESSION 3     CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

The third session will examine the potential for inter-fertilisation among corporate management, technological development and environmental responsibility, in order to increase sustainability and business opportunities for environmental-friendly firms.

Topics

1.      Business and sustainable development –case studies of good practices by commercial enterprises, business and industries in pursuing goals for clean technology, natural resource sustainability, environmental quality improvement; investments in environmental infrastructures and services; regulatory and incentive packages for enhancing; coastal and marine environment and sustainable tourism.

2.      Environmental management systems and certifications – Voluntary approaches to environment protection: ISO 14000 certification and EMAS registration of environmental management systems, Port Environmental Review System, Marine Stewardship Council Certification Program for Sustainable Fisheries; integrated management systems for ports; case studies.

3.      Environmental investments and financing opportunities – EU and national funds for environmental investments financing; development of environmental infrastructures and financing opportunities (UNDP, World Bank, EIB, …); Sixth EU Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development; SMAP and LIFE programs, PAC funds and EU structural funds (ERDF, ESF, EAGGF, FIFG).

4.      Technologies for pollution prevention and reduction – Pollution prevention/reduction and business opportunities; cleanup technologies; development of new technologies and environmental services for marine and coastal environment; the role of biotechnology; case studies.