We are all increasingly sensitive to the need for economic development compatible with environmental protection in managing our behaviour in relation to ecosystems.

Approximately 80% of world trade by volume and over 70% of world trade by value is transported by sea and managed from ports around the world. Countries are increasingly faced with the need to expand their land areas, and as many urban areas are located along the coasts and rivers, there is a need to maintain river transport routes. Vast lake areas rich in sediments (often polluted) need to be reclaimed and limitedly converted to the cultivation of plant species for human use.