(Re)Connecting Maritime Ecosystems: Geospatial Mapping of the 'ÄòSpaces of Flows'Äô in Port-City Regions

How can policy tools and actions facilitate the sustainable development of the port-city regions to mitigate negative externalities of port activities, improve logistics efficiency, and help a more sustainable integration of the port in the hinterland and urbanised spaces, also considering the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic? The worldwide shock of the 2020 Beirut Blast has directed public attention towards the challenges of the close relationship between ports, maritime-related activities, and their cities and regions. Abundant literature already exists on port geography and port city development. Yet, the question of facilitating sustainable port expansion and city development in a limited space remains unanswered. We need more in-depth exploration of how global flows running through ports reshape the built environment. In the RePortFlows project, the definition of the 'Äòport-city-region'Äô is inspired by considering cities and regions as, constantly, dependant on and composed of complex networks, large associations, and identities, rather than fixed spatial territories marked by clear margins. Considering the current challenges, such as globalisation, climate change, migration, digitalisation, and the pandemic, I will investigate the spatial planning, transport and sustainability-related issues and questions in Rotterdam and Genoa. I will use interdisciplinary and context-specific definitions and typologies, moving beyond traditional port-city studies (WP1 Glossary and taxonomy). I will apply multi-method and data-driven approaches to map and analyse the 'Äòspaces of flows'Äô, generated by flows from the sea to the hinterland and vice versa (WP2 Atlas). I will propose tailored policy tools to integrate the transport and socio-economic potentials with the spatial and social realities (WP3 Toolbox). The outcomes of this research will be communicated and disseminated, supporting open science practices (WP4).