Environmental Commission Working Group 267: The Role of Waterborne Transport Infrastructure in Biodiversity Enhancement – call out for members.
Increasing development of navigation infrastructure can also have an increasing impact on biodiversity but this effect can be reduced, or even countered, with effective pre-emptive design, implementation of mitigation, compensation and, most importantly, enhancement measures.
The focus of this Working Group is to look at waterborne transport infrastructure developments from a biodiversity (enhancing) perspective, aligning them with global and national commitments and provide guidance on integrating effective measures into navigation infrastructure from the start. The objective is to produce a report that identifies solutions to enhance biodiversity (including aquatic and terrestrial habitats) when considering projects to plan, maintain, or upgrade waterborne transport infrastructure.
The aim of the Working Group is to provide the frameworks and tools for people working in the field of waterborne transport infrastructure development to enhance biodiversity to enable them to contribute to sustainable development. The Working Group will also draw from existing approaches and biodiversity best practices worldwide.
For more information please download the Terms of Reference
Interested in being part of this International Working Group?
If you would like to represent the Australian & New Zealand National Section of PIANC on this Working Group, please apply to the AU-NZ Board. Many of our members are currently active on a number of PIANC Working Groups and they produce significant outcomes that benefit maritime matters in our region. They also bring significant benefits to participants who get to meet, learn from and share with global experts.
Please advise if you qualify as a Young Professional (YP – 40 years or younger) as there are two positions available in each Working Group, one of which is for a YP.
How to Apply
Please forward your application before COB Friday 11 April 2025 to:
Apply to Greg Britton, (Technical Commission Lead AU-NZ) E: greg.britton@rhdhv.com, AND Adam van der Beeke, (Environmental Commission Technical Lead AU-NZ) E: Adam.vanderBeeke@fremantleports.com.au and please also cc Paul Weston, EO E: Paul.weston@pianc.org.au
Process for Applications
Your application should include a detailed CV/Resume with a short covering letter outlining:
1. Your experience in the particular technical field;
2. Why the WG is relevant for the Australian / NZ content and the direct benefits of participation;
3. A commitment that you will prepare (for distribution to all members) a short report providing an overview & outcomes of the WG etc;
4. Whether or not you are seeking to access Travel Assistance Policy (TAP )funding; and
5. Whether you qualify as a Young Professional.
Eligibility:
Please note that Working Group Members need to be Individual Members of PIANC, working for a Corporate Member or Platinum Partner, be an invited expert or a be a member of a Sister Organisation.
Process:
A Selection Committee will review all nominations received and make a final recommendation to the PIANC AU-NZ Chair.
Responsibilities:
Please be aware that membership of a Working Group does require your active participation. This includes attending typically four Working Group meetings per year – most held virtually but typically at least one in-person meeting once a year at an international location (generally Europe). You may apply to be a ‘Corresponding Member’ if you do not want to undertake the normal travel requirements of full membership. If you are expert in the field, however, and would like to influence the outcome of the Working Group we encourage you to participate as fully as you are able.
Costs:
All costs associated with membership must be borne by either yourself or your employer, however PIANC Australia & New Zealand has a Travel Assistance Policy to partially assist with travel & attendance at Working Group meetings, in order to promote Australian and New Zealand technical input into these important WG activities.
Under the PIANC AU-NZ Travel Assistance Policy (TAP), annual available funding per WG member is $3,000, subject to application and approval. TAP funds may be payable post travel upon the successful completion of a WG Summary Report and production of relevant travel receipts.