First Maritime Award of the Americas

The Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) and the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) have announced their plan to present the First Maritime Award of the Americas on April 28th, 2014 at 6:00pm at the Hall of the Americas of the Organization of American States (OAS) at 200 17th St NW, Washington, DC. Nominations have officially opened.

The First Maritime Award of the Americas will focus on recognizing successful practices that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the Maritime and Port Sectors. The First Maritime Award of the Americas is being presented with the participation of the Department of Sustainable Development (DSD), the Section on Culture and Tourism, and, the Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Department of Economic and Social Development (DESD) of the OAS Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI) to recognize successful innovative practices in the Maritime and Port sectors of OAS member States. All winners will receive: an International Recognized Certificate, a trophy, and an air ticket to Washington DC, as well as promotion of the winner’s practices/projects by all the organizing institutions.    

“The Inter-American Committee on Ports is proud of the successful partnership with NAMEPA and delighted to be part of this important and innovative cross-cutting initiative that is not only promoting collaborative synergies between different priority areas of the maritime and port sectors, but also sets a basis for potential cooperation amongst its stakeholders,” stated Jorge Duran, Executive Director of the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP).  

"NAMEPA's mission is to 'Save our Seas' through partnerships with like-minded organizations such as the OAS CIP" stated NAMEPA Chairman Clay Maitland.  "We are delighted to be partnering with an organization representing ports that are equally committed to safety of the environment."

The categories for the 1st Maritime Award of the Americas are described below: 
1.    Environmental Waste Management in: A) Commercial shipping, B) Cruise Lines and C) Ports. 
For implemented successful practices in the Shipping and Cruise Line Industries and Ports that demonstrate excellence and innovation in environmental protection and waste management. 

2.    Disaster Mitigation and Management in Ports. 
For implemented successful practices in Ports that demonstrate excellence and innovation in lessening or dealing with disasters and reducing loss of life and property.

3.    Sustainable Touristic Destination Port. 
For implemented successful practices that demonstrate excellence and innovation in fulfilling the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria for Destinations.

4.    Corporate Social Responsibility in Ports 
For implemented successful practices that demonstrate excellence and innovation in fulfilling the Triple Bottom Line criteria (environmentally, economically and socially sustainable) to measure commitment to fostering a responsible corporate culture.

The 1st Maritime Award of the Americas is open to both, public and private ports or firms involved in Commercial Shipping, Cruise Lines or Ports of the CIP/OAS Member States. Their Nominations may be presented to the CIP Secretariat directly by the interested party.

The deadline to submit applications is April 4th, 2014. The evaluation of submissions will be April 7th-11th, 2014. The announcement of the award winners will be on April 14th, 2014. The Award ceremony is on April 28th, 2014.

The Jury Committee is made up of members of the following organizations: 
1.    Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) of the Organization of American States (OAS)
2.    North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA)
3.    Department of Sustainable Development (DSD), GS/OAS 
4.    Section on Culture and Tourism, Department of Economic and Social Development (DESD), GS/OAS
5.    Corporate Social Responsibility Program, Department of Economic and Social Development (DESD), GS/OAS