Small and medium-sized ports are constantly fighting for survival. Fewer resources, less investment, relying on local communities for support… All of these are problems that most large ports don’t have to deal with.

But what if these same limitations are actually unexplored strengths? A recent study by two Klaipeda University researchers, Elena Valioniene and Erika Župerkiene, explores the role of culture in driving sustainability in coastal regions.

According to them, culture is often seen as a background element in port development. But a smaller bubble and flatter hierarchies, which are not typical of large ports, are a good environment for building deep connections between the port and its surrounding cities, communities, and regional economy.

Researchers argue that inviting culture into this conversation is a game-changing move. Especially in smaller ports, cultural interactions between the port and the city can boost cooperation, drive economic growth, and improve quality of life while protecting the environment and promoting sustainability-focused practices.

After all, ports are more than just industrial zones. They shape the local identity through their ties to history, heritage, and local communities. Building on this definition, this study also proposes an expanded area of port infrastructure – one that surpasses roads and terminals, extending into social connections, governance models, and cultural elements, such as symbols and shared stories.

This suggestion refers to activities like cultural events, participatory projects, and heritage-based initiatives that connect port identity with everyday urban life. According to the researchers, this approach can turn the “weakness” of relying on local communities into a strength by creating stronger ties between ports and people that surround them.

Another important point is that these cultural connections can help small and medium-sized ports align with larger frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles of the blue economy. Moving in this direction would give smaller port structures a powerful role in a global effort to shape a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Reference:

Zuperkiene, Erika & Valionienė, Elena. (2024). Port-city cultural interactions’ influence on sustainable coastal development.