Earlier this year, Prof. dr Sanja Kovačić (University of Novi Sad) was hosted AT the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Ports Management and Shipping as part of a Rethink Blue short term scientific mission (STSM).
The aim of the STSM was to contribute to the COST action Rethink Blue and more specifically to the objectives of Working Group 3 (Port cities and Coastal Communities) with analysis of issues, challenges, good practices and strategic approaches of sustainable port development based on promotion of the rich cultural heritage in the port cities on example of port of Piraeus (Athens, Greece). During this STSM the qualitative research was conducted (in-depth interviews and desk research) related to the port of Piraeus, which is an example of good practice of a port which sustainability is tightly connected with promotion of cultural heritage. The research is a part of a joint study between three countries: Greece, Malta and Albania. Moreover, on-site visit of relevant stakeholders with review of their strategic documents was conducted to reveal how the cultural heritage has influenced sustainable port development. In-depth interviews were conducted among different port and heritage stakeholders to explore their attitudes towards development of the port and its synergy with environmental issues, community benefits and cultural and social sustainability.
