Why Killing Lisbon's Port Would Be a Grave Mistake for the City’s Future

The Importance of Lisbon's Port

The Port of Lisbon has become a burden for the city, primarily due to the lack of maritime culture among the Portuguese. This city has thrived at this location for centuries, owing to the recognition of the Tagus River estuary as one of the best ports in the world.

Throughout history, as society and technology evolved, the port has consistently showcased its immense value by attracting various economic activities that fueled the city's development.

Economic Investment in Port Structures

Globally, investment in port infrastructure is among the greatest wealth generators, and it has always been fundamental to the sustainable development of Lisbon. Unfortunately, over recent decades, Portugal has turned its back on the sea, neglecting maritime culture and the development of technology linked to the utilization of our most significant resource, which could lead to transformative technological, economic, and social growth.

Many politicians view maritime issues and ports as negatives for 21st-century Portugal. Consequently, there have been systematic decisions aiming to solve problems in other sectors by diminishing maritime resources instead of coordinating these resources with other concerns for better outcomes.

Balancing Maritime Activities with Urban Needs

The increasing attempts to repurpose traditional maritime areas for housing, recreation, and tourism without safeguarding future maritime needs jeopardize their contribution to the city's wealth and create difficult relationships between these realities.

In contrast, planning for a healthy coexistence and interdependence of both realities can yield sustainable, high-quality solutions that benefit both sectors.

The Daily Impact of Maritime Activities

Maritime and port activities significantly influence daily life, affecting the costs of consumed products and the companies where people work, ultimately contributing to the city's wealth.

However, many Portuguese remain disconnected from this reality, losing the potential to gain more from our valuable maritime resource, which encompasses over 2.5 million square kilometers of our territory, compared to just 90,000 square kilometers on land.

Increasing Lisbon citizens' engagement with maritime activities is crucial for enhancing their knowledge about maritime resources, enabling them to contribute to efficient utilization.

The Consequences of Neglecting the Port

Killing Lisbon's port is a mistake for both the present and future development. At a time when our economic growth hinges on tourism, and we risk over-dependence on this sector, we must deepen our strategic preparation for the future, which is intrinsically linked to the sea.

The connection between the economy, housing, recreation, education, and innovation with the sea is essential for transforming Portugal into a different country. Learning to benefit from these advantages starts today, and deepening our understanding of the sea necessitates a desire to live more in harmony with it.

The Port of Lisbon is a creator of wealth that must be nurtured, developed, and utilized without compromising its future. The development of Lisbon cannot mean the annihilation of its port but rather learning to coexist with it, leveraging its advantages, and promoting its future.